Maurice is an aging veteran actor who becomes taken with Jessie, the grandniece of his closest friend. When Maurice tries to soften the petulant and provincial young girl with the benefit of his wisdom and London culture, their give-and-take surprises both Maurice and Jessie as they discover what they don't know about themselves.
Acting
O'Toole's eyes alone deserve their own Oscar category.
Writing
Dialogue that makes sleaze sound like Shakespeare.
Cinematography
London never looked so beautifully exhausted.
Director
Roger Michell
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
O'Toole was 74 and seriously ill during filming; he insisted on doing his own stunts, including the painful fall on the beach. This was his final Oscar nomination—he holds the record for most acting nominations without a win at eight.
The film sparked fierce debates about the male gaze and 'Humbert Humbert syndrome' in prestige cinema. Hanif Kureishi's screenplay deliberately refuses to redeem or condemn Maurice, leaving audiences to wrestle with their own discomfort.
GB
