Directed by Lewis Gilbert (Alfie, You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me, Educating Rita), I studied the play by Willy Russell for English Literature in Secondary School, of course we watched the film also, I hadn't seen it in years since then, so I decided to watch it again. Basically Shirley Valentine (BAFTA winning, and Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Pauline Collins) is a bored middle- aged Liverpudlian housewife who finds herself talking to her kitchen wall and wondering what has happened to her life. In school Young Shirley (Gillian Kearney) was rebellious most of the time, but tried and failed to impress the Headmistress (Sylvia Syms), and her enemy, who she wanted to be like, was well elocuted Marjorie Majors (Catharine Duncan), one day they happen to meet each other as adults, Marjorie (Joanna Lumley) reveals that she was envious of Shirley, and she is now a high class hooker. Shirley still loves her husband Joe (Bernard Hill), and memorises their happy times when he was fun loving, but as time has gone by he has a routine for her, especially when it comes to what food they eat on what night when he comes home from work, he snaps if he doesn't get his way. Shirley's flamboyant friend Jane (Alison Steadman) wins a trip to Greece for two, she invites Shirley to join her, she doubts herself leaving everything behind, but unexpected encouragement from her neighbour Gillian (Miss Marple's Julia McKenzie) reignites her confidence. Shirley does tell Joe, he of course objects, and she almost forces herself to stay when her daughter Millandra (Tracie Bennett) returns home, who also objects, but Shirley is determined not to change her mind and give herself a two week break and find herself. Soon after arriving in Greece however, Jane abandons Shirley for a holiday romance with a passenger from the plane, she meanwhile talks to a rock, enjoys the Greek culture, but other holidaymakers seem to want English food and stereotypical entertainment, Shirley finds herself feeling lonely. This is until she meets nearby tavern owner Costas Dimitriades (Tom Conti), he helps Shirley fulfil her dream of drinking wine by the seashore, and invites her to travel the islands on his brother's boat, he promises not to attempt to seduce her. Jane finally returns and asks for forgiveness for abandoning her, she is stunned by the plans Shirley has made with Costas, but Shirley continues, enjoying the day, even swimming in the sea naked, and realising she doesn't want Costas to keep his promise, they share a kiss and make love on the boat. Jane believes Shirley has fallen in love with Costas, she says to the camera she has fallen in love with life, she even runs back to the tavern at the airport that would take her home, Costas is shocked to see her, he was even trying to seduce another woman, Shirley says she wants a job, and she is not upset at catching him in the act. Joe was angry and confused by Shirley's departure, he finds himself talking to the wall too, he awaits her return, but is embarrassed that she chose to stay, he calls her constantly to plea and argue with her to return, speculating that she is going through a mid-life or menopause, she refuses to come back. Shirley becomes content with her new life, and a success with narrow-minded holidaymakers who want familiar British food, Joe's son tells his father to go and get her, she receives a telegram that he is coming, Costas makes his excuses and leaves her, Shirley is sipping wine by the sea in the sunset when Joe arrives in a suit, he doesn't recognise her, in the end they have a drink together, it is unclear whether matters are resolved. Also starring George Costigan as Dougie, Anna Keaveney as Jeanette, Ken Sharrock as Sydney, Karen Craig as Thelma and Gareth Jefferson as Brian. Collins became an instant star from this film, she is a lovable character breaking the fourth wall and talking to the audience, and wanting to escape her dull home life. Conti does have a dodgy Greek accent but is likeably hammy, and supporting cast members Hill and Lumley do very well also, you can tell it is based on a play, it is a simple story of a bored housewife escaping to paradise to find herself, but it is well crafted and easy to enjoy comedy. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Song for "The Girl Who Used to Be Me" (also nominated the Golden Globe), it was nominated the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay for Willy Russell and Best Film, and it won the British Comedy Award for Top Comedy Film. Very good!
Review of Shirley Valentine
