Film Summary"Washington Square", directed by Agnieszka Holland is a 1997 film based upon the 1880 book by Henry James. The story revolves around a young naive woman named Catherine Sloper (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who is captured in the pull of war between the people who affect her life the most - her controlling father, Dr. Austin Sloper (Albert Finney) and her captivating suitor, Morris Townsend (Ben Chaplin).
Main Characters and PlotCatherine was raised under the vital and controlling look of Dr. Sloper, who blames her for her mom's death throughout giving birth. Catherine is a basic, shy and modest female which contrasts starkly with her late mom's beauty and vivaciousness which leads to Dr. Sloper constantly her. This has resulted in Catherine having a low self-esteem and a desire to please others, setting the context for how she connects with those around her.
Get In Morris Townsend, a lovely yet financially unstable younger guy who showers Catherine with love and a marriage proposal. Catherine, overwhelmed by this unexpected adoration, succumbs to him instantly and plans to marry him regardless of opposition from her dad.
Dr. Sloper believes that Townsend is absolutely nothing but an opportunist trying to find a ticket into the rich Sloper family through Catherine. Therefore, Dr. Sloper chooses to take Catherine on a trip to Europe, hoping it will cause her to forget Townsend. When they return, she discovers that Townsend had actually left. Nevertheless, Catherine stays resolute in her sensations for him.
Conflict and ResolutionThe major conflict in the movie happens upon their return when Catherine discovers that Townsend had left her. When Dr. Sloper threatens to disinherit Catherine if she weds Morris, she defies him and awaits Morris to come back to her. On The Other Hand, Dr. Sloper dies leaving a substantially minimized inheritance to Catherine, a move meant to safeguard his naive child from opportunistic males, particularly Townsend.
Later, Morris returns, apparently to the surprise of Catherine who still intends to marry him. However, she affirms to her individual growth when she declines to let him into her house, deciding not to marry him. The movie ends on a note of individual empowerment for Catherine, as she frees herself from the 2 dominant male figures in her life.
Performance and Cinematography:Jennifer Jason Leigh is fascinating in her role as Catherine, detailing the process of a lady transitioning from naivety to self-assuredness remarkably. Albert Finney and Ben Chaplin match her with their strong performances, striking a balance between the two contrasting male figures compellingly.
The movie, set in the mid-19th century New York, mesmerizes the viewers with its meticulous detail to time-appropriate costumes, props, and set styles. The movie's cinematography is marked by numerous close-ups of characters, which further adds to the psychological depth and subtlety of the movie.
Conclusion:Overall, "Washington Square" is an engaging drama that digs deep into the psychological journey of a repressed female, laced in the contrasting impacts of her oppressive daddy and manipulative enthusiast. It distinctively advances the style of self-realization and empowerment, through the character advancement of Catherine Sloper.
Top Cast
