Summary"Hemingway & Gellhorn" is a 2012 HBO biographical film directed by Philip Kaufman and starring Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman as the title characters. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, the movie looks into the romance and troubled marriage of authors Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn.
The PlotThe storyline starts in 1936 when the pair initially satisfy in a bar in Key West, Florida. Hemingway is magnetically drawn to Gellhorn, a young and ambitious war reporter. Their expert interaction develops into a passionate love affair while they remained in Spain covering the civil discontent. Ultimately, Hemingway leaves his second partner, Pauline, to wed Gellhorn. The duo ends up being a power number of literature, inspiring each other to produce some of their finest works. Hemingway composed "For Whom The Bell Tolls", and Gellhorn penned down "The Face of War" during this time.
Their Relationship and DisunionNevertheless, their relationship is not without its difficulties. Hemingway's huge ego, extreme possessiveness, and heavy drinking, coupled with Gellhorn's strong independence and dedication to her war reporting profession, created a substantial strain. Residing in Hemingway's shadow also causes Gellhorn substantial distress, as she often discovers herself deemed Mrs. Hemingway rather than an effective author in her own right.
The movie demonstrates how World War II further checks their relationship. Gellhorn, often away covering various war fronts, becomes considered as one of the best war correspondents of the 20th century. Possibly feeling left behind or threatened by his spouse's success, Hemingway's behavior grows increasingly unpredictable. Their relationship eventually reaches a breaking point, and they divorce after 5 years of marriage, but they continue to affect each other's lives and works long after their separation.
Cast and PerformanceNicole Kidman provides an exceptional efficiency as Martha Gellhorn, portraying her as an identified and passionate lady reluctant to be eclipsed by her more popular other half. Clive Owen, on the other hand, brings an extreme yet vulnerable charisma to his portrayal of Hemingway, managing to embody his epic personality, literary genius, and deep insecurities.
Conclusion"Hemingway & Gellhorn" offers a captivating insight into the complicated relationship between two of the 20th century's most prominent authors. Regardless of the pain their relationship cost them, both Hemingway and Gellhorn produced a few of their most significant works during their time together - a testament to just how much they motivated each other. The film effectively clarifies this tumultuous love story, juxtaposing it versus the violence and turmoil of the Spanish Civil War and World War II. It's a moving portrayal of love, aspiration, war, and the crash of larger-than-life characters.
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