Maud Bailey, a brilliant English academic, is researching the life and work of poet Christabel La Motte. Roland Michell is an American scholar in London to study Randolph Henry Ash, now best-known for a collection of poems dedicated to his wife. When Maud and Roland discover a cache of love letters that appear to be from Ash to La Motte, they follow a trail of clues across England, echoing the journey of the couple over a century earlier.
Acting
Ehle and Northam's Victorian restraint combusts beautifully.
Costume
Maud's severe suits vs Christabel's flowing Pre-Raphaelite gowns.
Writing
Byatt's layered novel survives adaptation surprisingly intact.
Director
Neil LaBute
Gwyneth Paltrow
Maud Bailey
Aaron Eckhart
Roland Mitchell
Jeremy Northam
Randolph Henry Ash
Jennifer Ehle
Christabel LaMotte
Lena Headey
Blanche Glover
Holly Aird
Ellen Ash
Toby Stephens
Fergus Wolfe
Trevor Eve
Cropper
Georgia Mackenzie
Paola
Tom Hollander
Euan
Graham Crowden
Sir George
Anna Massey
Lady Bailey
Elodie Frenck
Sabine
Shelley Conn
Candi
Holly Earl
May Bailey
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Neil LaBute directing a female-centric romance after 'In the Company of Men' raised eyebrows, but his theatrical background suited the staged letter readings.
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