Review of A Taste of Honey

The film was adapted from a popular play, and that might tell us all we need to know about the artificial touches that work so poorly on screen. I'm almost inclined to conclude that the filmmakers set out to establish a high degree of realism, only to obliterate it for fun, as if to say, "We had you believing this, didn't we?" The performances are superb--Rita Tushingham's, in particular--but why all the awkward closeups of Rita's face? (This movie could have been called "Jo's Face.") Are these meant to suggest that the girl is mentally unbalanced? Are these intended as constant reminders that Rita is rather plain looking? If so, the goofy angles are an epic example of overkill. And we would expect her character to be emotionally damaged and cynical, and indeed none of her moments of acting out are all that extreme. She is understandably an unhappy and resentful young lady. Looney, no. And the mother, despite Dora Bryan's fine portrayal, is simply not believable on any level. She casually neglects her daughter, she somehow attracts a younger man, and then she pops in at the end as if anyone is expecting her to stick around long enough to do anything but get drunk and find another man. And why do UK films of this period include in their depictions of working class flats annoying groups of children, running and playing in a completely unrealistic, thoroughly choreographed manner? Why are these kids devoted to tracking the comings and goings of tenants? And why, for that matter, the pretentious and overdone music score? This may be a play adapted to film, but that's no reason for the unaccountable and mood-destroying periodic reminders that, despite the marvelous location photography, we are watching a stage production and not a film. It should have made up its mind. A superbly acted misfire which practically invents new levels on which to crash.