Of Human Bondage

Of Human Bondage is a 1964 film adaptation of the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham. Directed by Ken Hughes and produced by Jerry Wald, it features a stellar cast including Kim Novak, Laurence Harvey, and Robert Morley.

Set in the late 19th to early 20th century, Of Human Bondage follows the protagonist Philip Carey, portrayed by Laurence Harvey, as he navigates through life and love. Carey is a highly intelligent but slightly disabled man with a clubfoot who shuns the idea of having a conventional career in medicine and, instead, moves to Paris to study painting. As the plot progresses, this pursuit of his romantic notions about arts and the Bohemian life proves to be less than fulfilling, leading him back to London to restart his life as a medical student.

In London, Carey takes cheap lodgings in a rooming house where he meets Mildred Rogers, wonderfully brought to life by Kim Novak. From the moment she arrives on-screen, Novak dominates, playing an unrefined, superficial, and manipulative waitress. Despite her unkindness and apparent indifference to Carey, he becomes fixated on her, falling into a tumultuous obsession that becomes a significant theme throughout the movie.

The film explores the depths of human emotions, the harsh cruelties of unrequited love, and the pain of obsession. However, it also depicts resilience in the face of heartbreak - the courage to keep going despite life's adversities. Through Laurence Harvey's character, audiences witness the journey of a man hell-bent on chasing after an elusive and toxic love, neglecting everything else in his pursuit, including his own well-being.

Pearls of wisdom and insights about life and relationships are scattered across the movie, a testament to both Maugham's original work and to the screenplay by Bryan Forbes. These make the film not merely a period drama but a commentary on the human condition and the complex emotions that form the scaffolding of our lives.

Harvey's portrayal of Philip Carey is nuanced: trying to balance between infatuation, resentment, desire and a deep-rooted need for acceptance and love. Kim Novak delivers a stirring performance as Mildred, a character easy to despise but impossible to dismiss or forget. Novak's Mildred clearly illustrates the complexity of human emotions and behaviors, often driven by desperation and fear.

Robert Morley's inclusion as Dr. Jacobs, a kind-hearted individual who embodies the spirit of medicine and contrasts sharply with Mildred's character, further deepens the narrative. The character interactions, plot twists, and the emotional roller coaster ride that the characters take the audience on, are bound to keep viewers engrossed.

The film is shot brilliantly, with mid-century England and Paris beautifully depicted. The costumes and the set designs effectively transport viewers back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Philip's journey is amplified by the film's beautiful and haunting score that complements the narrative perfectly.

However, the true strength of this film lies in how it delves deep into the battles of the human heart and mind. It explores the themes of obsession, self-destruction, and unrequited love with a raw and unflinching intensity which underscores Maugham's understanding of human nature and propensity for suffering and self-sacrifice.

In summary, Of Human Bondage is a richly evocative, engrossing and emotionally charged film. It is a poignant exploration of love, pain, obsession, resilience, and the power of human emotions. With stellar performances from its star cast and an engaging and insightful narrative, this film is indeed captivating. Whether you're a fan of timeless classics, period dramas or just looking for a deep introspective film that makes you reimagine life and relationships, Of Human Bondage is definitely worth your time.