Empfindliches Gleichgewicht (1973)

Empfindliches Gleichgewicht: Directed by Tony Richardson. With Katharine Hepburn, Paul Scofield, Lee Remick, Kate Reid. A well-to-do Connecticut family is upended when the grown daughter’s godparents, seized by a nameless terror, decide to come live with them.

“Director Tony Richardsonu0026#39;s presentation of u0026quot;A Delicate Balanceu0026quot; could be dismissed for itu0026#39;s lack of edginess and itu0026#39;s gentrified (albeit screwed up) characters. It is also what critics would call a u0026quot;stagyu0026quot; film. Yet it is redeemed from this dour damnation because of Albeeu0026#39;s wonderful way with words, the rich cinematography, and exceptional acting, exceptionally well cast: Katherine Hepburn, Paul Scofield, Lee Remick, Joseph Cotton.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFor those looking for a violent film — not in the form of bullets or explosions — but of verbal surgical strikes, this is it. Edward Albeeu0026#39;s dialogue provides all the female (yes, this would be considered a u0026quot;womanu0026#39;s movieu0026quot;) protagonists and antagonists (one wonders at times which is which) a laser like aim against their primary targets: other women. And it is done under a guise of u0026quot;civilityu0026quot;; sometimes, with a smile.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe stand-out among these veteran actors is Kate Reid, who plays Claire, the alcoholic in-law who at times gives the most voice to the story, set amid a dysfunctional Connecticut family. But even her performance canu0026#39;t out weigh the constant barrage of verbal cross-fire from her friends and in-laws. Yet the twist here is that the aggressors are the women, while the men attempt to keep the peace as best they can — only firing back if attacked by the females.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis isnu0026#39;t a film for everyone; itu0026#39;s definitely the stuff of classic drawing room (psycho) drama. But for those who can appreciate consummate acting armed with deft dialogue, make yourself a nice cup of tea — spiked with a shot or two of brandy — and check this out.”