Maurice

Directed by James Ivory in 1987, Maurice is a mesmerizing film adaptation of E.M. Forster's posthumously published novel of the same name. It is a significant gay-themed movie, considered iconic for its time. The story unfolds in the Edwardian era in England, when sexual relationships between men were considered a crime. The entire plot of the film centers on the life of Maurice Hall, played by James Wilby, navigating the social intricacies and challenges in an era where love and personal expression were forbidden.

The movie's plot takes us on a journey through three phases of Maurice's life - adolescence, university, and adulthood, broadly underlining his emotional trajectory and continuous struggle for self-acceptance. It opens up with a young Maurice at school, where he is introduced to the matter-of-fact explanation of 'the unspeakable Vice of the Greeks', or homosexuality. This plants the seed for Maurice's complex and somewhat troubled journey into self-discovery.

As the protagonist moves into the university life at Cambridge, he encounters the charismatic and intellectual Clive Durham, portrayed by Hugh Grant in one of his early roles. The relationship between Maurice and Clive is at the emotional heart of the film. Their friendship initially blooms noticeably into a platonic romance, staying within the confines of the law and societal norms. The performances of both actors capture the balancing act of their covert romance, subtly hinting at their internal turmoil and stifled passions.

However, the dynamics between Maurice and Clive greatly shift when they both come face to face with the societal and legal realities of their love. This leads to some significant personal and interpersonal changes in their lives. Maurice's journey of love and self-discovery further takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of Alec Scudder, the gameskeeper brought to life by Rupert Graves. He is the physical manifestation of everything Maurice wrestles with internally: raw, untamed desire and the yearning for freedom from societal constraints.

Throughout the film, a portrait of Maurice's tumultuous inner life beautifully unfolds, with emphasis on his struggle to reconcile his socially unacceptable desires with his professional life. His inner turmoil and emotional journey are most palpably felt when he consults a hypnotherapist, expressing his struggle with his own sexuality.

The performances by all the actors, including actors in supporting roles, are strikingly compelling, lending an immediate authenticity to the film. James Wilby tugs at the heartstrings by beautifully bringing out Maurice's vulnerability and struggle. Hugh Grant's portrait of Clive perfectly epitomizes the societal prejudices of the time. And Rupert Graves brings edgy charisma to the role of Scudder, balancing the core romantic relationships in the film.

As expected from an Ivory-Merchant film, there is lavish attention paid to the settings, art, and the costumes that accurately create Edwardian England. The cinematography brilliantly captures the contrasting worlds of the peaceful, green, expansive countryside symbolizing freedom, and the dark, confined, ornate spaces representing suppression.

The film Maurice effectively captures the ethos of Edwardian England, where homosexuality was fervently repressed, and brings out the struggle, courage, and resilience of Maurice's character trying to live life on his own terms. Despite its historical setting, the film meaningfully contributes to the dialogue about acceptance and societal norms, pulling on threads of universal human emotions, making it relatable to a wider audience, regardless of time and cultural barriers.

Even after more than three decades, Maurice stands as a timeless and poignant tale of love. It is a striking piece of cinema defined by its raw emotional power, outstanding performances, and vividly realized canvas of Edwardian England. Beyond its cultural and historical context, at its heart, Maurice is a deeply personal, relatable and beautifully-told tale of love, acceptance, and the human spirit's struggle for freedom. It's a cinematic journey sure to touch the hearts of its audience, and the brave representation of the protagonist's struggle for self-discovery undoubtedly makes it shine as a torchbearer in the advancement of LGBTQ+ cinema.