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Daybill movie poster for the 1985 British romance "A Room with a View," directed by James Ivory and produced by Ismail Merchant. Adapted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala from E.M. Forster’s 1908 novel, it is a hallmark of the "heritage film" movement.Plot SummarySet in the early 1900s, the story follows Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter), a young Englishwoman traveling in Italy with her cousin and chaperone, Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith).The Meeting: While in Florence, they encounter the unconventional and free-spirited George Emerson (Julian Sands) and his father.The Conflict: An impulsive, passionate kiss from George in a field of violets confuses Lucy. Upon returning to England, she becomes engaged to the wealthy but stuffy and pretentious Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis).The Choice: When the Emersons move near Lucy’s home in Surrey, she must eventually choose between the societal propriety represented by Cecil and the authentic love and freedom offered by George.Principal CastHelena Bonham Carter as Lucy HoneychurchJulian Sands as George EmersonMaggie Smith as Charlotte BartlettDenholm Elliott as Mr. EmersonDaniel Day-Lewis as Cecil VyseJudi Dench as Eleanor LavishKey LocationsThe film was shot over ten weeks: four in Italy and six in England.Florence, Italy: Scenes at the "Pensione Bertolini" were filmed at the Hotel degli Orafi (formerly Pensione Quisisana). Other notable locations include the Piazza della Signoria, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Villa di Maiano.Surrey & Kent, England: The Honeychurch family home, "Windy Corner," was filmed at Foxwold House near Chiddingstone. The "Sacred Lake" swimming scene used an artificial pond built on that property.Critical Acclaim & AwardsThe film received universal critical acclaim and holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three:Best Adapted Screenplay (Ruth Prawer Jhabvala)Best Art Direction (Gianni Quaranta, Brian Ackland-Snow, Brian Savegar, Elio Altamura)Best Costume Design (Jenny Beavan and John Bright)It also won five BAFTA Awards, including Best Film, and a Golden Globe for Maggie Smith as Best Supporting Actress. |
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