Kangaroo, in many senses a forerunner to Lawrence's The Rainbow and Women in Love, is not a novel that reads as if it could be adapted to the screen; the book projects a brooding intensity as the Lawrence-character struggles to define his masculinity in his relationships with both men and women, and in doing so, confronts elements of his sexuality.
It is a slow-paced, introspective novel yet not without moments of comedy, astute observations (and beautiful if laborious) descriptions of the Australian landscape, recalling Thomas Hardy.
This film version is a treat - the director is faithful to the sense of the novel, and his lead characters imbue the film with life. As the Freda Lawrence character, Judy Davis displays a fine range of acting, moving from being understated to displaying those fine moments of fiery temper.
In all, an excellent film, lovingly choreographed and orchestrated, bringing to life a minor and overly-neglected work of D H Lawrence's.
Hats off to all.
It is a slow-paced, introspective novel yet not without moments of comedy, astute observations (and beautiful if laborious) descriptions of the Australian landscape, recalling Thomas Hardy.
This film version is a treat - the director is faithful to the sense of the novel, and his lead characters imbue the film with life. As the Freda Lawrence character, Judy Davis displays a fine range of acting, moving from being understated to displaying those fine moments of fiery temper.
In all, an excellent film, lovingly choreographed and orchestrated, bringing to life a minor and overly-neglected work of D H Lawrence's.
Hats off to all.