The Idol

The Idol is a 1966 British black-and-white drama film directed by Daniel Petrie. The movie stars silver screen stalwart Jennifer Jones, plus up-and-coming actors of the era, Michael Parks and John Leyton. The film's narrative is rich with profound psychological exploration, intimate human drama, and lingering glimpses into the late-1960s London counterculture.

Michael Parks plays the character of Timothy "Tim" Broadbent, an American art student studying in London. Handsome, talented, and charming, Tim is an ambitious individual who's full of youthful exuberance and is not afraid to venture into the unknown. Tim's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled with the sophisticated older woman, Carol, played by Jennifer Jones.

Jennifer Jones, an Oscar-winning actress, brilliantly portrays the character of Carol, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage to a wealthy but dull businessman. Carol's inner self is thirsty for adventure and liberation from her monotonous life, and she sees her escape in the passionate and vibrant Tim. Jones intricately portrays the deep yearning and emotionally charged being of Carol with finesse, her eyes telling tales of unspoken desires and secret longings. The chemistry between Jones and Parks becomes one of the highlights of the film's narrative, making the audience root for their forbidden romance.

In contrast, John Leyton plays the character of Phil, Tim’s best friend and roommate, whose loyalty and friendship to Tim are tested as the story unfolds. Leyton displays a wonderful nuance as he shifts between scenes of camaraderie, moments of jealousy, and bouts of helplessness. His portrayal adds another layer of complexity to the plot anchor around the love triangle.

Set against the backdrop of 60's London, The Idol takes the audience on a journey laced with vibrant youth culture of the time, from rock-and-roll-dominated parties to revealing discussions on art, liberty, and love. The narrative explores the crossing boundaries of love, companionship, treachery, and impulsivity, nudging watchers to examine the labyrinth of human emotions and moral complexities.

Drawing upon the striking contrasts between the flashy distractions of the freewheeling sixties and the quiet desperation of an unfulfilled woman, The Idol beautifully illustrates these starkly different worlds. The cinematography brilliantly captures the essence of this dichotomy, taking viewers from dizzyingly high-spirited youth parties to stifled and lifeless private soirées. The drab grayscale aesthetic effectively underlines the gloom of a society still reeling in the aftermath of war, making the dashes of color in the form of Carol's emotions or Tim's art pop more vividly on screen.

Every character in The Idol goes through an intense emotional journey, battling their own demons and attempting to understand their heart's desires. Interactions between characters reveal a web of strained relationships and loyalties, heightened by an environment of sexual tension and emotional betrayals. The dialogues are sharp and meaningful, offering insight into each character's psyche and their motivations. The artistic ethos of the sixties is also potently present in the film, from heartfelt discussions about art aesthetics to passionate debates about society's imposition on personal freedom.

On another level, The Idol exposes viewers to the realities of living in cosmopolitan London during the swinging sixties. Sporting a mélange of cultural references, the film encapsulates a never-before-seen look into the spontaneous youth countercultural scene—filled with exuberance, liberty, rebellion, and explorations of self-identity and societal norms.

From the storyline to the performances and cinematography, The Idol is a memorable emotional rollercoaster. With Jones' dramatic prowess, Parks' charismatic screen presence, and Leyton's pensive portrayal, this film presents an intriguing exploration of human desire, morality, and the complexities of relationships. It remains a dramatic gem from the sixties, offering a revealing window into a rapidly changing society and the timeless human needs within it. The Idol is both an entertaining drama and an examination of the troubled waters of friendship, love, and betrayal.