A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible (1989) movie backdrop
A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible (1989) movie poster
198950 minDocumentary

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.8/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.

Is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 50 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

5.87 votes
50Minutes
1989Release Year
Advertisement

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1989, A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on The updated autobiography of Britain’s most controversial film director, the maker of Women in Love, The Devils, The Music Lovers, Tommy and The Rainbow, is as unconventional and brilliant as his best films. Under the direction of Ken Russell, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Ken Russell, Molly Russell, Rupert Russell. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. The updated autobiography of Britain’s most controversial film director, the maker of Women in Love, The Devils, The Music Lovers, Tommy and The Rainbow, is as unconventional and brilliant as his best films. Moving with astonishing assurance through time and space, Russell recreates his life in a series of interconnected episodes – his thirties childhood in Southampton, his first sexual experience (watching Disney’s Pinocchio), his schooldays at the Nautical College, Pangbourne, early careers in the Merchant Marine and the Royal Air Force, dancing days at the Shepherds Bush Ballet Club and of course his career as a film-maker, beginning with an extraordinary interview with Huw Weldon for a job on Monitor. Full of marvellously funny anecdotes and fascinating insights into the realities of the film director's life, A British Picture is a remarkable autobiography. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1989 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible (1989): with an audience rating of 5.8/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible movie hit or flop?

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible worth watching?

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible?

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is a Documentary movie that The updated autobiography of Britain’s most controversial film director, the maker of Women in Love, The Devils, The Music Lovers, Tommy and The Rainb...

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.8
A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/a-british-picture-portrait-of-an-enfant-terrible-162757" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.8</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Ken Russell

View full filmography

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible movie hit or flop?

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible worth watching?

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible?

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is a Documentary movie that The updated autobiography of Britain’s most controversial film director, the maker of Women in Love, The Devils, The Music Lovers, Tommy and The Rainb...

Is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible family friendly?

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is a Documentary movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.

Where can I watch A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible?

You can find streaming options and availability for A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.

Who is the main cast of A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible?

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.

How long is the movie A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible?

The runtime and duration of A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Critic Reviews

No reviews found for this filter.