A ROOM WITH A VIEW

James Ivory is unquestionably one of the most important names of the heritage film trend. The director and scriptwriter is the author of as many as four important titles of this trend: MAURITES (1987), RETURN TO HOWARDS END (1991), THE REMAINS OF THE DAY (1993). His first success, however, came with A ROOM WITH A VIEW (1986), a film adaptation of E.M. Forester's novel with a truly stellar cast.

That is the story of the heart-wrenching adventures of the young wealthy Lucy Honeychurch (played by a young Helena Bonham Carter). The girl, accompanied by her chaperone Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith), takes a trip to Florence. Unfortunately, they do not receive the promised room with a view and end up switching rooms with Mr. Emerson and his son. In such circumstances, Lucy meets the rebellious, Byron-loving George (Julian Sands), for whom she begins to develop feelings. However, he does not take a liking to Lucy's companion. On her return from the trip, Lucy is persuaded by her parents to become engaged to the very conservative and orderly Cecil Vys (Daniel Day Lewis). However, the girl is not pleased, and her situation becomes more complicated with the appearance of George, whom she had met in Italy, in the neighborhood. 

Ivory's film is a true tale of female self-discovery with beautiful scenery. Italy, which is exotic to a young girl, becomes a place of coming of age and discovery of sexuality. Despite maintaining a prudish tone and conservative realities, the story emphasizes an emancipatory element explored in heritage cinema, especially in the 1990s.

The film's truly royal cast is fascinating. Helena Bonham Carter in the lead role, is accompanied by two other intriguing female characters: Charlotte Bartlett, played by Maggie Smith, and Miss Lavish, portrayed by Judi Dench. The leading ladies of British cinema from a surprising and intriguing duo of characters that delicately deviate from conservative norms.

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Dominika Stachowiak