Effie Gray
classified 12APlease note: This was screened in Oct 2014
A passion project for Emma Thompson (who wrote and stars in the film), this compelling drama explores Victorian and social mores via the true story of Effie Gray (Dakota Fanning). Gray was the young bride of art critic John Ruskin (Greg Wise). When Ruskin wished to dissolve their short marriage, he noted to his lawyer that Effie was "not formed to excite passion... there were certain circumstances in her person that completely checked it". This famous episode has become a metaphor for both Victorian innocence and prudishness and also a particular kind of tabloid salaciousness, in society's reaction to the scandal. But is this what really happened? Thompson's mature and intelligent screenplay explores the truth of the breakdown of their marriage, its eventual annulment and Effie's sensational new relationship with one of Ruskin's acolytes (the painter John Everett Millais, played by Tom Sturridge), in this handsomely shot, brilliantly performed film.
Ticket prices: Screenings before 16:00: £5.50 full / £4.00 concessions. Screenings after 16:00: £8.00 full / £6.50 concessions.