Tripwire Reviews Studiocanal’s 60th Anniversary Restoration Of John Schlesinger’s Darling

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Tripwire’s editor-in-chief Joel Meadows reviews Studiocanal’s 60th anniversary restoration of John Schlesinger’s Darling starring Julie Christie…

Darling 4K
Director: John Schlesinger
Stars: Julie Christie, Dirk Bogarde, Laurence Harvey

Released back in 1965, this 60^th anniversary restored version of John Schlesinger’s multiple Oscar winning film offers us this landmark as we’ve never seen it before.

Christie, magnetic at this point in her career, plays Diana Scott, a girl with ambition at the heart of her DNA who becomes a model, an actress and a social climber. Scott also finds herself in a love triangle with TV presenter Robert Gold (Bogarde) and advertising man the appropriately named Miles Brand (Harvey). Christie won an Oscar here for his role and despite the extremely solipsistic and self-centred portrayal here, Scott is a modern woman who you do root for despite her many character flaws. The chemistry between her, Bogarde and Harvey is exceptional with both figures too self-important to understand that they are both being played. There is a fantastic counterpoint between the pair as well, with Bogarde the more old-fashioned and buttoned-up lover and Harvey representing the more outlandish, experimental part of British society. Harvey never looked cooler than he did here as Miles and you feel that Bogarde as Robert just can’t compete. Parts of Darling are actually quite risque for the time as well with one scene that involves her and Miles taking part in an orgy in Paris when they are visiting. Despite Scott getting what she seemingly wants at the end, she soon discovers that her fickle nature means that even when she gets her way, it doesn’t bring happiness and contentment. Darling made Julie Christie an international star, placing her at London’s Swinging Sixties firmament.

The restoration here really brings every scene to vivid life offering bold images of 1960s London life and further afield. The extras like Sofia Coppola’s discussion of why she sees this film as important and the audio interview with director Schlesinger really helps to contextualise its release and its significance in modern cinema history. He went on to direct other acclaimed works like Midnight Cowboy (1969) and Marathon Man (1976) but this film was the one which brought him to the audience’s attention.

Darling is an elegant and emotional snapshot of a period on the cusp of a major cultural shift with an exceptional cast and a stylish direction from Schlesinger. It is well worth seeing in this restored version.

JOEL MEADOWS

Darling is out now on Studiocanal’s Vintage Classics line

Here’s the film’s restored trailer too