The Other Side of the Underneath

The Other Side of the Underneath is a 1972 British feminist drama film that lingers in the space between experimental art and feature narrative. Directed by Jane Arden and produced by Clive Goodwin, it was the only British feature of the era to have been directed solely by a woman. This avant-garde film stars Sally Minford, Susanka Fraey, Elaine Donovan, Ann Lynn, Penny Slinger, Jenny Moss, Jack Bond, Sheila Allen, Jane Arden herself, and Liz Danciger.

The plot revolves around a group of women isolated within the intense and claustrophobic atmosphere of a therapeutic community in the remote British countryside. Their alienation and harsh existence living together in this closed environment serve as the main theme of the movie. Mental illness is a central focus of the film, exploring it with an emphasis on women's experiences and trauma.

In the film, Sally Minford portrays a charismatic yet disturbed woman who anchors the community. Her complex character is at times antagonistic and at other times vulnerable, eliciting both sympathy and fear from viewers and her community members alike. She navigates her struggle with a nebulous mental illness that blurs the line between reality and hallucination, sanity and madness.

The other women, namely Susanka Fraey, Elaine Donovan, Penny Slinger, Jenny Moss, Sheila Allen, Jane Arden, and Liz Danciger, fill the commune with an eclectic mix of personalities. Each woman represents a different aspect or stereotype associated with femininity, from the nurturing mother figure to the wild, uncaged spirit. These women, though vastly different from one another, come together to form a tightly knit community, which serves as a distorted yet honest reflection of the female experience.

Ann Lynn's character stands out as the film's sole male presence, providing an interesting counterpoint to the women's collective. His performance remains understated yet impactful, subtly highlighting issues of gender dynamics and male privilege.

The Other Side of the Underneath stands as an unflinching exploration of women's collective unconscious, as well as their subjective experiences of mental illness. The film masterfully delves into dark and uncomfortable territories, touching upon themes of sexual repression, domestic violence, and the repression of female voices. It is an unsettling, yet powerful, portrayal of fractured identity and suppressed desires, expressed through a combination of multimedia elements.

The film's narrative is punctuated by surreal and symbolic imagery that fosters a sense of alienation and discomfort, keeping viewers enthralled and on edge. Drawing on elements of abstract performance, fragmented cinematic style, and surrealistic dream sequences, the film dares to challenge societal norms. Incendiary menstrual imagery, symbolic visuals, work songs, folk rituals, dolls, choreographed dances, and other eclectic elements are used to craft a confronting and powerful representation of the female experience.

Taking on a non-mainstream filmmaking approach, the movie was widely recognized for its avant-garde aesthetics and theatrical style. It fuses the spectacle of performance art with the distinct narrative style of cinema to create a deep and moving piece. Jane Arden, along with her ensemble of committed artists, ingeniously challenges cinematic conventions, questioning the boundaries of genre and form.

The Other Side of the Underneath is a daring endeavor in feminist cinema, and a crucial work to understanding the progressive nature of British cinema in the 1970s. Its importance extends beyond its creative aspects, standing as a radical dialogue on societal perceptions of women and their mental health. As such, it's an unforgettable viewing experience that can be harrowing, tantalizing, and encouraging all at once.

The film may not appeal to everyone’s tastes due to its strong and disturbing themes, but it's sure to leave an imprint on those willing to brace its intensity. For viewers interested in feminist cinema, art cinema, experimental narrative, and psychological drama, this movie is a must-watch. Its unconventional storytelling and provocative symbolism make it a standout film in the British cinema landscape.