The Pumpkin Eater
Director: Jack Clayton
Actors: Anne Bancroft, Peter Finch, James Mason
PlotJo Armitage is a woman whose life revolves around her roles as a wife and mother. Married to her second husband, screenwriter Jake Armitage, Jo grapples with deep personal dissatisfaction despite their seemingly comfortable domestic life. Her existence is further complicated by her recurring bouts of depression and anxiety. Questions about the true nature of happiness and fulfillment plague her, but she continues to cling to her role as homemaker, partially as a means to avoid confronting deeper issues within herself. As Jo's family grows larger with each new child, she starts exhibiting signs of an existential crisis that grows harder to ignore.
Tensions mount as Jake's infidelities come to light, straining their already fragile marriage. Jo finds herself increasingly isolated and begins questioning both her identity and the sacrifices she's made in the name of family. Her struggle to maintain emotional stability is compounded by the pressures and societal expectations placed upon her as a woman. As Jo confronts these challenges, the narrative delves into themes of marital fidelity, personal fulfillment, and the often hidden costs of maintaining a facade of a perfect family life. The story intricately explores her psychological landscape while gradually unraveling the complexities of human relationships and individual aspirations.
Writers: Penelope Mortimer, Harold Pinter
Release Date: 09 Nov 1964
Runtime: 118 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
The Pumpkin Eater is a powerful domestic drama with standout performances and exceptional widescreen photography; highly recommended Blu-ray edition.
Read our review of The Pumpkin Eater Blu-ray to find out more