Entertaining Mr. Sloane

Entertaining Mr. Sloane is a uniquely dark and menacing comedy from the 1970s, marked by scandalous humor and a distinct British sensibility. Originally a stage play written by Joe Orton, this film adaptation thrives in its ability to capture the twisted charm of its source material while adding a cinematic flair. The film is directed by Douglas Hickox, and stars the talented trio of Beryl Reid, Harry Andrews, and Peter McEnery.

The narrative unfolds in a seemingly calm, but gradually sinister suburban English setting. The plot centers around the intriguing character of Mr. Sloane (Peter McEnery), a charismatic and mysterious young man who finds himself as the object of attention in a rather dysfunctional household. Entertaining Mr. Sloane operates as much a character study as a winding narrative, with each figure holding their own hidden agendas and secrets.

Beryl Reid portrays the character of Kath, a middle-aged woman leading an unfulfilled and mundane life, marked by her covert desperate yearnings for pleasure and companionship. Kath becomes infatuated with Mr. Sloane after she meets him in a cemetery. Seizing the opportunity, she offers him lodging at her home as a tenant. McEnery plays the character of Sloane with an enigmatic charm, balancing an appearance of innocence with an undercurrent of cunning manipulation. Yet, Sloane holds secrets darker than the surface, hinted upon but never revealed directly, adding further dimension to his ambiguous identity.

Harry Andrews plays Kath's brother, Ed, a more imposing figure than his sister, who also harbors his own unsettling interest in Mr. Sloane. Andrews delivers an intimidating performance that perfectly complements Reid and McEnery's roles. Ed is portrayed as an authoritarian figure, maintaining an iron fist over his sister's life while entertaining his own personal desires.

This family dynamic forms the backbone of Entertaining Mr. Sloane, reflecting the dysfunctional bonds of the characters and their varying motives and ulterior interests concerning Mr. Sloane. The daily life and conversations narrated in the living room create a dramatic atmosphere full of sexual tension, manipulation, and power struggle. These elements along with its comedic undertones, lend the movie its darkly humorous nature.

Though the narrative primarily focuses around these three characters, another important figure is Dadda, played by Alan Webb. As Kath and Ed's blinded father, Webb's performance brings out a tragicomic quality in Dadda, who connects to the audience through his vulnerabilities, providing the narrative with periodic emotional resonance. The bizarre household that these characters inhabit is where majority of the film's events take place.

Douglas Hickox's direction and his ability to keep the audience engaged despite the film's limited setting is commendable. Entertaining Mr. Sloane is not just a comedy, it is also a critique on the society of the time, brilliantly encapsulating the dark side of the 'ideal' suburban lifestyle. The strategic use of humor and unexpected plot twists keep audiences on their toes, which contributes heavily to the film's atmosphere of uneasy anticipation. One must also mention how the subtly unfolding narrative gradually exposes different layers of the characters' identities.

Set design plays a significant role in Entertaining Mr. Sloane, with Kath's cluttered living room providing a tangible representation of her scattered life. The morbid setting of the cemetery introduces an essence of darkness early on in the narrative. Cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky makes exceptional use of lighting and framing to keep the audience engaged, providing a palette that suits the complex tonal shifts of the film.

Sound and music, are integral to the film’s layered atmosphere. The score by composer Georgie Fame complements the on-screen proceedings, never overshadowing the dialogue but subtly enhancing the mood of scenes.

In conclusion, Entertaining Mr. Sloane engages viewers with its unique blend of dark comedy and character-driven narrative that is made even more compelling with a gifted cast. Furthermore, the film's unforgettable atmosphere is augmented by its striking visuals, atmospheric music, and the directing style of Hickox, who masterfully adapts Orton's stage play into a cinematic treat. Given its mature themes and complex character dynamics, this film suits viewers who appreciate dark humor, character studies, and British cinema.