Darling (1965)

A sometimes interesting character study of a young actress / model and her downward spiral in 1960s London. Good performances all around, but no likeable characters at all. Possibly good fare for a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Julie Christie is on top form as the determined "Diana". She is an attractive aspiring model and nothing is going to stop her reaching her goals - fame and fortune! She is married and initially in love with "Tony" (TR Bowen) but a chance interview with "Gold" (Dirk Bogarde) offers her new opportunities and horizons and soon they are adulterers together! Not for long though, he introduces her to "Brand" (Laurence Harvey) and, well you get the drift. Finally, she ends up in a bit of a shell marriage to the Prince Cesare (José Luis de Vilallonga) and it is at this point she gives the interview that provides us with this retrospective of her life that is largely told via flashback. John Schlesinger works his cast really well here and together with a cleverly constructed screenplay from Frederic Raphael; some creative photography from Ken Higgins and some stylish fashions courtesy of Julie Harris offers us a potent insight into the vanity and shallowness of industries where people are commodities, and those who use and abuse it (on both sides) are only ever one step away from depression and failure. It is too long, and the story can be a little sluggish at times, but Christie is an excellent choice for "Diana" and she throws her heart and soul into her characterisation. It's still apposite almost sixty years later - and sends a salutary message to anyone who might think there are any easy wins in this hard-as-nails business that rarely values loyalty or longevity.