The Comfort of Strangers (1990)

"Beautifully Discomforting"

Paul Schrader's film version of Ian McEwan's novel (with a screenplay by Harold Pinter) gets a dual format release from the BFI. 

Colin (Rupert Everett) and Mary (Natasha Richardson) have returned to Venice for a holiday in the hope it will rekindle the passion in their relationship. They dine, drink, get lost in the alleyways of the city, and end up meeting Robert (Christopher Walken).

He takes them to a bar where he relates a lengthy story about his childhood, culminating in an explanation of how he met his wife, Caroline (Helen Mirren). The couple try to find their way back to their hotel but get lost again and spend the night sleeping in the street.   

        Next morning, very much not looking like one might, having spent a night outside in Venice, the two meet up with Robert again. He takes them to his palatial home where they meet Caroline and gradually become embroiled in a complex situation which will ultimately end in tragedy.

Beautifully filmed, meticulously written and with an exotic score from Angelo Badalamenti, THE COMFORT OF STRANGERS is one of those movies that leaves you wondering exactly what you've just watched, questioning the motives, the backstory and the trustworthiness of all concerned. It's a languid piece, designed to let the beautifully lush interiors wash over you as you almost subconsciously take in the considerably darker actions of the human characters who dwell within. Having watched it three times since its release in 1990 I still can't really say what it's all meant to be about, but I like it more with each viewing.

The BFI's disc comes with a brand new specially recorded commentary by director Paul Schrader. He doesn't sound in the best of health and provides added suspense to the listener who at times will be wondering if he's going to make it to the end of the film. 

You also get two audio extras. The first is The Paul Schrader Film Masterclass from 1982. It's a 100 minute summary of a film course he had at the time just presented in the US. The second is an 85 minute Guardian interview with Derek Malcolm from 1993.

Next are three archival short subjects about Venice, one from 1918, a glass making film from 1928 and a three minute short from 1964. Finally, there's the usual excellent booklet with new writing from THE COMFORT OF STRANGERS director of photography Dante Spinotti and others. 

Paul Schrader's THE COMFORT OF STRANGERS is 

out on dual format from the BFI on 

Monday 24th September 2018