Movie Review: Benediction

In Cinemas Thursday 9^th June

(Reviewed by John Glennie)

A complex movie about a very complex person!

Siegfried Sassoon (Jack Lowden) was a well-known poet in England who became a decorated war hero in the First World War. However, when he returned from the Western Front, he wrote a very blistering letter to high command condemning the powers of deliberately prolonging the war and refusing to take any further military duty. He was furious when his friend Robbie Ross (Simon Russell Beale) revealed that he had used the excuse of shell-shock for the reason behind the letter. Ross said the if he hadn’t, Sassoon faced court-martial and possible execution for treason – a fate the latter said he was prepared to face.

When sent to Craiglockhart for treatment, it appear his therapist Dr Rivers (Ben Daniels) and he share a discreet homosexuality secret. Sassoon also meets young keen poet Wilfred Owen (Matthew Tennyson) who is inspired by the hero. The latter is impressed by Owen’s poem Disabled which he shows to his mentor just before being sent back to the Front. Sadly, Owen was killed less than a week before the end of the war.

Sassoon is embraced by England’s high-society and is entertained in many literary circles. He is introduced to the arrogant, egotistical Stephen Tennant (Calam Lynch) and they soon commence an intense romantic relationship. Tennant seems to have no morals and flits between male lovers at the drop of a hat – much to the chagrin of Sassoon and his former lover!

At one of the many social events, Sassoon meets the delightful Hester Gatty (Kate Phillips). Nothing eventuates, but they seem to hit it off when they meet sometime later. He tells her that he has only had relationships with men, which she already knew but is prepared to accept that. They eventually marry, but it always appears to be a front for the society elite.

The latter part of the film is set some 30 years later but still manages to depict the long-term effects of the horrors of war on the psyche of those who participated. It also portrays the impact of loves lost, and attempts to reunite, but all too late!

As mentioned earlier, Benediction is a complex film – brilliantly produced, but some of         the dialogue is very heavy going. However, this is probably quite an accurate depiction of English high-society of the day (and today to a certain extent!).

Of perticular note, there are some very graphic and mind-provoking original pgotos and movie footage from the actual First World War. This is a powerful reminder of what really happened,

Footnote: I am not much of a fan of poetry, but as a member of a public speaking club I had to do a poetry reading of Wilfred Owen at a meeting many years ago. After reading the background to the poem, I selected Disabled due to the intensity of emotion it depicted. It is one that I still read every now and again.

Benediction is now screening at Palace Nova Eastend and Palace Prospect