Four in the Morning

Four in the Morning is a 1965 British black-and-white film centered around the intertwined stories of two women struggling with isolation, abandonment, and despair. Working as a deeply introspective narration of existential dread and human connection, it explores themes of motherhood, mortality, infidelity, and the fragility of relationships. It is directed by Anthony Simmons, written by the same, and perfectly brought to life by a strong, dynamic cast that includes Ann Lynn, Judi Dench, and Norman Rodway.

Four in the Morning delicately weaves together two narratives in distinct stylistic approaches. The film begins at the titular hour, with a young woman's lifeless body found in the River Thames, foreshadowing intense drama and melancholy that gradually unfolds. From here, parallel storylines diverge and intersect, providing a panoramic view of the human soul in conflict.

Ann Lynn delivers an exceptional performance as the struggling young wife and new mother, navigating the emotional turmoil of postpartum depression and a strained marriage. She beautifully portrays the character's frustration, resentment, and love all intertwined, set against the backdrop of her husband's complacency and unwillingness to understand her plight.

Lynn’s character is trapped in a tiny flat with her newborn baby, stranded between the pressures of maternity and her own unresolved identity. This melancholic narrative runs parallel to another story, but the disparity between the two women’s experiences is striking.

The second narrative centers around Judi Dench's character, a young woman engaged in a tormented affair with a married man, played by Norman Rodway. Dench, already showcasing her remarkable talent early in her career, brings a tragic vulnerability to her character, torn by loneliness, desire, and guilt.

Dench's distraught lover is almost constantly in transit throughout the movie, seemingly attempting to outrun her shame and regret. The scenes between Dench and Rodway are intense, their turbulent relationship playing out in confined spaces - taxi cabs, hotel rooms - reinforcing a feeling of claustrophobia and their inability to escape their realities.

Simmons shows an uncanny ability to capture the different faces of loneliness, from the oppressive silence of domestic interiors contrasted with the impersonal noise of the city outside. These two narratives are not explicitly linked, yet converge thematically, representing lives trapped in their separate solitudes, touching on common themes of isolation, abandonment, and despair.

Although it's undoubtedly depressive and profoundly sad, the film holds its explorations with a sense of authenticity. The characters and their struggles feel real, and the storytelling throughout is keenly observed. There are no straightforward heroes or villains in this complex narrative, only deeply flawed characters, making the best of their circumstances, and sometimes failing spectacularly.

Shot in black and white, the film takes on a stark, realistic lens that enhances the gloomy atmosphere and turbulence of the characters' internal world, arguably making it a distinct piece of realism cinema for its time. The London locations used in the movie offer a vivid portrayal of the city, stark and alienating, matching and amplifying the characters' emotional states.

Accompanying these visuals is John Barry's hauntingly beautiful score, which emphasizes the film's melancholic tone. The music serves to underscore the tension and release that emerges from the characters' interactions, mirroring their emotional landscapes as the movie progresses.

Despite its weighty themes, Four in the Morning is punctuated with fleeting moments of humor and warmth, subtle instances of humanity that break through the bleakness. These instants serve as poignant reminders of the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, highlighting the multifaceted dimension of our existence.

In conclusion, Four in the Morning is a fascinating piece of cinema, though it's not for the faint-hearted or those seeking an uplifting tale. It offers viewers an unflinchingly honest portrayal of society's fringes, where loneliness looms large, and despair is an insidious specter. Yet, amidst the sobering commentary and somber mood, we are reminded of our shared human frailty and capacity for endurance. If you appreciate complex character studies, penetrating narratives, and subtle filmmaking, Four in the Morning offers an unforgettable viewing experience.