The Handmaid's Tale

 The Handmaid’s Tale 1990

• Director: Volker Schlöndorff
• Seen by the director: The Tin Drum
• Based on the book by Margaret Atwood
• Cast: Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall, Aiden Quinn, Elizabeth McGovern, Victoria Tennant, Blanche Baker
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Natasha Richardson – Maid in Manhattan, Nell
• Faye Dunaway – Arizona Dream, China Town, Little Big Man, The Thomas Crown Affair, Bonnie and Clyde
• Robert Duvall – The Road, Sling Blade, The Stars Fell on Henrietta, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather etc, M*A*S*H, Bullit, To Kill a Mockingbird
• Aiden Quinn – Elle s’appelle Sarah, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Music of the Heart, Practical Magic, Michael Collins, Looking for Richard, The Stars Fell on Henrietta, Frankenstein, Benny & Joon, Desperately Seeking Susan
• Elizabeth McGovern – Downton Abbey, Woman in Gold, Cheerful Weather for the Wedding, Angels Crest, If Not for You, Racing with the Moon
• Why? The book.
• Seen: 26 June 2022      

       Considering the recent and horrendous decision of the US Supreme Court, this story no longer seems like a distant dystopia. If you don’t know the story, read the book or see the TV series (which I haven’t yet, but I will when the series is complete).

       Kate is well-played by Natasha Richardson and Faye Dunaway is excellent as Serena. The acting is good throughout.

       The book was chilling when I read it in the 70s. The film is even more appalling to watch with its ultra-Christian, ultra-right militaristic Fascist rhetoric that we hear daily in reality today. If you think people are over-reacting today, see this film.      

4 * of 5