Hollow Reed ** (1996, Martin Donovan, Ian Hart, Joely Richardson, Jason Flemyng, Sam Bould) – Classic Movie Review 5232

Director Angela Pope’s 1996 British drama is a bit of a sensationalist hotch-potch, though it is well meaning and, at least by Martin Donovan and Joely Richardson, very well acted.

Martin Donovan plays GP Martyn Wyatt, a gay father who, with the help of his boyfriend Tom (Ian Hart), tries to get custody of his son Oliver (Sam Bould) when he thinks that the boy is being abused by Frank (Jason Fleming), the new lover of his ex-wife (Joely Richardson).

Though it obviously has good intentions, this seething domestic drama could be viewed as a bit dodgy, and it is not exactly entertainment. Somehow, it does seem essentially contrived and hollow. Paula Milne scripts from a story by Neville Bolt.

Though with a 15 certificate, it is a film for grown-ups only, with adult situations, strong language and implied violence.

Also in the cast are Shaheen Khan, Kelly Hunter, Tim Crouch, Jane Hill, Glen Hammond, Simon Chandler, Dilys Hamlett, Andy Rashleigh, David Calder, Maeve Murphy, Victoria Scarborough, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Kenneth Anderson, Annette Badland, Douglas Hodge and Edward Hardwicke.

It was the winner of the Audience Award at the 1996 Dinard British Film Festival.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5232

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