The Servant (film)

Infobox Film
name = The Servant
caption = The Servant DVD cover
director = Joseph Losey
producer = Joseph Losey
Norman Priggen
writer = Harold Pinter (screenplay)
from Robin Maugham's novel
music = John Dankworth
cinematography = Douglas Slocombe
starring = Dirk Bogarde
Sarah Miles
James Fox
Wendy Craig
distributor = Landau Releasing Organization
Elstree Film Distributors
released = November, 1963 (premiere)
runtime = 112 min.
country = UK
language = English
imdb_id = 0057490
amg_id = 1:43773|

"The Servant" is a 1963 British film, directed by Joseph Losey and starring Dirk Bogarde, Sarah Miles, Wendy Craig, and James Fox. The film was adapted for the screen by Harold Pinter (the first of his three collaborations with Losey) from the novel of the same name by Robin Maugham. It is a tightly woven psychological drama that focuses on the relationships between the four central characters. The intricacies of class, servitude, ennui and Pyrrhic victory are examined and exploded.

ynopsis

Tony (James Fox), a wealthy young Londoner, hires Hugo Barrett (Dirk Bogarde) as his manservant. Initially, Barrett appears to easily take to his new job, and he and Tony form a quiet bond while, nevertheless, maintaining their social roles; however, relationships begin shifting, and they change with the introduction of Susan (Wendy Craig), Tony's emotionally stilted girlfriend, who seems to loathe Barrett and all he represents. Adding to the problems is Vera (Sarah Miles), Barrett's supposed sister, whom Barrett takes into the household as a maidservant; in fact, Vera is his lover.

Nothing being what it seems, the characters manoeuvre around each other until roles reverse and Tony emerges as a very different person. It is a scenario where the major characters appear bored with playing their social roles.

The evocative soundtrack by John Dankworth, along with the song "All Gone" sung by Cleo Laine, complements the mood of the film.