Watch The Rachel Papers
- R
- 1989
- 1 hr 35 min
-
6.0 (2,191)
The Rachel Papers is a 1989 movie which depicts the story of Charles Highway (Dexter Fletcher), a young British student who is about to sit for his exams. The film is based on a novel of the same name, written by Martin Amis. Charles is an intelligent, sharp-witted and sex-obsessed teenager who is interested in writing, girls and drinking.
The story is set in London in the 1970s, and Charles is infatuated with Rachel (Ione Skye), the daughter of the father of one of his schoolmates. He becomes convinced that she is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, and he sets out to woo her at any cost. Rachel is a free spirit who is not interested in commitment, but Charles believes he can change her mind.
Charles narrates the story himself, which adds to the film's charm. He makes no apologies for his behavior, which is often obnoxious and manipulative. He is a complex character, full of contradictions. He is intelligent and cultured, but also narcissistic and deeply flawed. He has a witty, self-deprecating sense of humor that makes him likable despite his many flaws.
The cast of The Rachel Papers is excellent. Dexter Fletcher gives an impressive performance as Charles Highway, perfectly capturing his arrogance and vulnerability. Ione Skye is also excellent as Rachel, giving a nuanced and understated performance as a woman who is trying to find her way in the world. Jonathan Pryce is outstanding as Charles's father, a famous writer who is not quite as successful as he would like to be. The supporting cast is also strong, adding depth and complexity to the film's characters.
The film is directed by Damian Harris, who brings a unique and fresh vision to the material. He uses various techniques, such as jump cuts and freeze frames, to break up the narrative and keep the audience engaged. The film has a distinctive visual style, with a lot of scenes shot in natural light and tight close-ups.
The Rachel Papers is not for everyone. It is a film that requires patience and an appreciation for complex, flawed characters. The story is often uncomfortable and confronting, dealing with themes of sex, love, and growing up. The film's ending is also likely to divide audiences, with some finding it satisfying while others may feel disappointed.
Overall, The Rachel Papers is an impressive film that tells a compelling story about young love and the perils of growing up. It is a character study that is well-acted, well-directed, and full of interesting ideas. While it may not be to everyone's taste, those who can appreciate its quirks and complexities are likely to find it a satisfying and rewarding experience.
The Rachel Papers is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 56.