Counter Culture

This touching and sensitive film is based on the real life memoir of Peter Turner. It covers the years 1979-1981 starting with Turner meeting Gloria Grahame (Annette Bening). Although not well remembered Gloria was a big star in the 1940’s and 50’s. You may know her as Violet in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, or recall that she was an Oscar winner for THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (1952), and had standout roles in OKLAHOMA! (1955), THE BIG HEAT (1953), and IN A LONELY PLACE (1950). By 1979 those glory days are gone. Gloria is in England starring on stage in The Glass Menagerie.

She meets Peter Turner (Jamie Bell), a bisexual young actor who falls in love with her despite the significant age difference. He was 28 and she was twice that age. The affair is passionate and tender. Even when the affair has ended Peter still cares about Gloria. It is to him and his family in Liverpool that she turns to for care as her health deteriorates. It’s a sad story but also speaks to a loyal and lasting love.

Annette Bening and Jamie Bell are outstanding. There are also some fine supporting roles including Julie Walters as Peters’s mum and Vanessa Redgrave as Glorias.

The movie’s set production (recreating the late 70s/early 80s) is evocative of the time and place. Right down to the political posters in the background at the Working Men’s club. There is also a lot of great music in the film, including a specially composed piece by Elvis Costello.

An understated gem.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington