Mrs Dalloway (1997)
7/10
A Serene Journey Through Time: Exploring Nostalgia and Reflection in Mrs. Dalloway
16 August 2023
If you are looking for a charming movie to watch, you might want to check out this light-hearted adaptation of Virginia Woolf's classic novel Mrs. Dalloway. It is a perfect choice for a relaxing evening with a glass of red wine.

The movie follows the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society lady who is preparing to host a party in the evening. The story switches between two timelines: one in the present day, where Clarissa reflects on her choices and regrets, and one in the past, where we see her as a young and adventurous woman who shared a close bond with her friend Sally.

The film captures the contrast and nostalgia between the two phases of Clarissa's life, as well as her unresolved feelings for Peter Walsh, a former suitor who returns to London after years abroad.

The movie invites you to reflect on your own life and how you have changed over time. You might feel nostalgic about your younger days and the choices you made, but you might also accept that life goes on and what matters are the memories and friendships that last.

The movie explores the themes of nostalgia, memory, love, and loss, as well as the impact of war on the psyche of the character. One of the most poignant subplots is that of Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked veteran who suffers from hallucinations and despair. His fate is intertwined with Clarissa's in a subtle and poignant way.

The movie features excellent performances from Vanessa Redgrave as the older Clarissa, Natascha McElhone as the younger Clarissa, and Michael Kitchen as Peter Walsh, Clarissa's former suitor who still harbours feelings for her.

"I knew that I loved her once, and that it stayed with me all my life, and coloured everything."
  • Peter Walsh


The director succeeds in creating a serene and graceful atmosphere that contrasts the two phases of Clarissa's life: youth and old age. It is a movie that will make you appreciate the beauty and fragility of life.
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