Das indiskrete Zimmer (1962)

Das indiskrete Zimmer: Directed by Bryan Forbes. With Leslie Caron, Anthony Booth, Avis Bunnage, Patricia Phoenix. A single, pregnant woman moves into a London boarding house where she meets a group of fellow misfits.

“One of the best of the so-called u0026quot;kitchen-sinku0026quot; films, THE L-SHAPED ROOM is nearly perfect. The set decoration probably deserved an award for the way it evokes, with poetry, the incredibly realistic environment of a down-and-out London rooming house. As many commentators have noted, this film avoids clichés and gives us real-seeming characters played by gifted actors. There is not a single weak link in the cast, with Tom Bell, Avis Bunnage, Brock Peters, Cicely Courtneige among others providing so many memorable moments. At the heart of the film is Leslie Caron in an award-nominated performance that is not likely to be forgotten by anyone who sees it. This is a performance that elicits true feeling, done with a kind of invisible artistry, so it seems completely real. Bryan Forbes, one of Britainu0026#39;s finest directors of the period, paces the film well, relying on Caron and others to fill what may have been longueurs with true meaning. The only criticism is the use of the Brahms First Piano Concerto in the soundtrack. The surging romanticism, while appealing in itself, doesnu0026#39;t fit very well with the mood of the film, apart from a couple of quiet scenes. Itu0026#39;s certainly not a big problem, only it seems an odd musical choice. A deeply affecting, unforgettable film.”