Maurice - The Merchant Ivory Collection

This film is a faithful adaptation of Forster's novel and brilliantly brought to life by the winning team of Merchant Ivory. The stellar cast comprises James Wilby, Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves; all 3 share great screen chemistry and there is no doubt that the actors gave it their "all" for this film.

This is the story about one man's journey of self discovery about his sexuality and having to live with the prejudices of the times including class distinction (which balks at intimacy with a social inferior, in this case Maurice's desire for Alec). Many reviews have already been written about the story so I would just like to share some of my thoughts and observations of the film:

1) the DVD (R1, released Feb 2004) is beautifully packaged and is chockful of special features including more than 10 deleted scenes, one of which is a most sensual scene involving Maurice and Alec (an "extended" scene of their first night together). The production notes/booklet also provides a treasure of information on the film.

2) James Wilby plays "Maurice" most beautifully and sensitively. He is imperfectly handsome but is still very attractive-looking. The thing that strikes me most about Wilby's "Maurice" is that he has the MOST beautiful hair color - it's practically "golden" - not the usual blond. The color contracts nicely with the black suit he usually wears. In the novel, Maurice has dark hair, but I think a golden-haired Maurice is just perfect - a great contrast too to Clive's and Alec's dark locks!!

3) Clive (Hugh Grant) is older than Maurice by a year. When they get together, Maurice is around 21 years of age. By the time they break off, Maurice is nearing 24. Nothing is mentioned in the book/movie about Alec (Rupert Graves)'s age - but I gather he is the youngest of the three (although most certainly the lustiest!!).

4) Maurice's character is passionate, loving, vulnerable and super-loyal. If Clive had not rejected him, Maurice would have been "his for life". What's with Clive anyway? He's got this idea that a relationship between 2 men should be strictly platonic (no kisses or caresses, even). Thank goodness for the appearance of Alec later on, who is Clive's very opposite!

5) In the novel, Maurice is horrified by his lust for and intimacy with Alec, who is only a servant. But one reason they are perfect for each other is because (in Forster's words): "chance had mated it (i.e. Maurice's body) too perfectly". The 2 characters' growing feelings for each other are a joy to watch.

6) For those who question the ending i.e. whether it is even possible for Maurice and Alec to stay together what with all the difficulties surrounding them, well, let me write that Forster intended the ending to be a happy one (and who would know better than the author himself?). In the "Terminal Note" at the end of his novel, Forster wrote: "A happy ending is imperative. I shouldn't have bothered to write otherwise. I was determined that in fiction anyway two men should fall in love and remain in it for the ever and ever that fiction allows, and in this sense Maurice and Alce still roam the greenwood..." Super, isn't it?

7) The final scene ("In the Boathouse") is wonderfully romantic and is alone worth the price of the whole DVD, so to speak.

I don't want to forget this beautiful movie, and I can't forget it anyway. It is quite simply the most touching film I've ever seen. It deserved an armful of Oscar awards (although in reality it didn't do that well, receiving only Art Direction and Best Costume nominations). I've seen most of Merchant Ivory productions and "Maurice" is hands-down, the BEST. Don't miss it!

For those who will surely find it entertaining, there's a very nice EASTER EGG on this DVD:

Go to Disc Two--select Deleted Scenes, page 2--select "May I ask you name?" and then right-arrow. A small icon will appear in the lower right hand corner of your screen. Click on that and enjoy a hidden deleted scene.

Maurice is based from an E. M. Forster book posthumously published due to its scandolous nature. Maurice, brilliantly portrayed by is a man torn between his role in society and his inner feelings. At Cambridge, he meets Clive Durham, played by a young dashing Hugh Grant, who becomes his first great love. Turmoil and tumult ensues, as the men wrestle with their love for each other versus society expectations. As Clive gives into the pressure, Maurice is sent wandering with his feelings, until he meets the saucy, somewhat illiterate gamekeeper Scudder, played by Rupert Graves, which only fuels the dichotomy.

Never pandering to audiences, this film respects the story and its characters. They are equally rich and complex, as the giant behemoth of society constantly dictates what they must do or accept of each other. Yet despite each characters weaknesses and flaws, they manage to find ways to overcome those expectations. The story is as rich as any Merchant Ivory production, and the quality shows.

The performances by all the leads is extremely commendable. They convey the love, confusion, and sincerety of their characters without ever going over the top. Especially Graves, who's character in English society at the time had the least status, manages to give him the most dignity as he pursues a man he loves. An equally fine supporting cast, from the brilliant Denholm Elliott to the amazing Judy Parfitt, give this move the credence and weight it deserves.

Also commendable, this movie does not shy away at all from the sexuality included as part of the story. What's amazing is that this movie was made back in 1987, yet it treats the homosexual romance with the same reverence and respect as a heterosexual romance. It's refreshing how a series of films in the eights, from this to Parting Glances, truly were revolutionary.

Finally, this movie's transfer to DVD is incredible. The movie is beautfiul, rich, and colorful. I have yet to see a finer transfer as the quality is superb. It is a scrumptious feast to watch. DVD collectors wishing to have high quality movies in this medium certainly won't want to pass up these disks.

This movie will always hold a special place in my heart, and now I own the DVD version to treasure and watch without having to channel surf. I cannot recommend Maurice enough, or thank Merchat Ivory enough for producing such a high quality movie.