Watch The Go-Between

The Go-Between is a 1971 British drama film directed by Joseph Losey and based on the novel by L. P. Hartley. Starring Julie Christie, Alan Bates, and Dominic Guard, the film is set in 1900s England and explores themes of class, forbidden love, and the destructive power of secrets. The film follows the story of Leo Colston (Dominic Guard) who, as a young boy, spends his summer holidays with the Maudsley family at their grand estate in Norfolk. While there, he becomes the go-between for their daughter, Marian (Julie Christie), and the impoverished farmer, Ted Burgess (Alan Bates), who share a clandestine love affair that is kept hidden from the rest of society due to the societal expectations and prejudices of the time.

As Leo becomes further involved in their secret world, he begins to learn about the complexities of adult relationships and the heartbreaking consequences that can result from crossing societal boundaries. Through his innocent perspective, the audience witnesses the damage that secrets and lies can do to families, individuals, and society as a whole.

The film's narrative structure jumps back and forth between Leo as a young boy and as an adult, providing a deeper perspective into the emotional toll this summer had on him and how it shaped his life. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the idyllic English countryside and the suffocating societal expectations that threaten to destroy it.

One of the most striking features of The Go-Between is the stunning performances by the three leads. Julie Christie seamlessly embodies the character of Marian, conveying both her deep passion for Ted and the internal struggle she faces in trying to reconcile her love with the social expectations placed upon her. Alan Bates, as Ted, expertly portrays the gravity of their illicit relationship and the societal forces working against them. Dominic Guard, meanwhile, delivers a nuanced performance as the innocent child who becomes tragically caught up in their affair.

The film is expertly directed by Joseph Losey, who brings a delicate touch to the material and expertly navigates the complex emotional terrain of the story. The pacing is measured and deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the emotional weight of the story.

Overall, The Go-Between is a haunting and deeply moving film that expertly explores the complexities of love, class, and societal expectations. The stunning performances, beautiful cinematography, and expert direction all work together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Go-Between is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.