The Woman in White (1997)

Directed by: Tim Fywell | 125 minutes | thriller | Actors: Tara Fitzgerald, Justine Wadell, Simon Callow, Andrew Lincoln, Susan Vidler, John Standing, Adie Allen, Ian Richardson, James Wilby, Ann Bell, Annte Etchells, Timothy Carlton, Tony Spooner, Sean Gleeson, Kika Markham

‘The Woman in White’ is based on the book of the same name by Wilkie Collins from 1860. In 2004 a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber even appeared, just to show how popular the book is still. But earlier, in 1997, this BBC film adaptation was released – not a series this time, but a film. Like most BBC productions, ‘The Woman in White’ is also captivating. This Victorian mystery originally consists of correspondence, but screenwriter David Pirie has beautifully transformed it into a filmable whole. Many critics consider ‘The Woman in White’ to be one of the first and best sensational stories ever written. So it’s no wonder that even today the mysterious white woman still appeals to the imagination. Pirie did make the necessary changes in the rewrite and emphasized the psychological aspect, making the plot diverge from the original. Surprisingly, it’s not really disturbing. ‘The Woman in White’ is an exciting and intriguing film in itself: a Hitchcockian approach to Collins’ original.

Half-sisters Marian Fairlie (Tara Fitzgerald) and Laura Fairlie (Justine Wadell) live with their uncle. Though they don’t resemble each other at all – Marian is tougher and protective and has no money, while Laura is gentle, very wealthy and terribly romantic – they can’t live without each other for a minute. Their uncle appoints Walter Hartright (Andrew Lincoln) to teach them, and soon Laura and Walter begin to develop feelings for each other. Unfortunately, Laura is already engaged to Sir Percival Glyde (James Wilby), who is hiding a dangerous secret. Then there is also a white lady who mainly shows herself to men and who warns Walter about Sir Percival, who is assisted by Count Fosco (Simon Callow). To no avail, Walter is falsely accused and sent away and the sisters are now on their own.

As is often the case, the villain is the most fascinating. Simon Callow is cunning and crafty like Count Fosco, and he knows how to get the blood out of your fingernails. It is a pity that Wilby as his accomplice disappoints and does not reach the same level, which makes it a bit inconclusive. Just like in the story, Tara Fitzgerald is daring Simon Callow in real life; she plays a beautiful role. Wadell is perfectly suited as the lovely Laura, although she seems to have more chemistry with Fitzgerald than with Andrew Lincoln. All in all, this gothic story is suitable for a night of horror. Old style not to be forgotten: little blood and horror, but a lot of mystery and suspense.