The Bell Jar Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Bell Jar
| Movie | The Bell Jar |
| Release Year | 1979 |
| Director | Larry Peerce |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 107 minutes (1h 47m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Bell Jar (1979) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Bell Jar are led by Marilyn Hassett . The supporting cast, including Julie Harris and Anne Jackson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Bell Jar does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Bell Jar has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Bell Jar
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1979, The Bell Jar is a Drama film directed by Larry Peerce, written by Marjorie Kellogg. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Marilyn Hassett as Esther Greenwood.
Ending Explained: The Bell Jar
The Bell Jar Ending Explained: Details a young woman's summer in New York working for a Mademoiselle-like magazine, return home to New England, and subsequent breakdown all amidst the horrors of the fifties, from news of the Rosenbergs' execution to sleazy disc jockeys and predatory college boys. Directed by Larry Peerce, this 1979 drama film stars Marilyn Hassett (Esther Greenwood), alongside Julie Harris as Mrs. Greenwood, Anne Jackson as Dr. Nolan, Barbara Barrie as Jay Cee. Rated 4.2/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Bell Jar?
Details a young woman's summer in New York working for a Mademoiselle-like magazine, return home to New England, and subsequent breakdown all amidst the horrors of the fifties, from news of the Rosenbergs' execution to sleazy disc jockeys and predatory college boys.
How Does Marilyn Hassett (Esther Greenwood)'s Story End?
- Marilyn Hassett: Marilyn Hassett's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Julie Harris (Mrs. Greenwood): Julie Harris's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Anne Jackson (Dr. Nolan): Anne Jackson's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Bell Jar Mean?
The ending of The Bell Jar brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Marilyn Hassett's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Bell Jar Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Bell Jar Based on a True Story?
No, The Bell Jar is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Larry Peerce and starring Marilyn Hassett may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Bell Jar?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Bell Jar Parents Guide & Age Rating
1979 AdvisoryWondering about The Bell Jar age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Bell Jar (1979) is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Directed by Larry Peerce, the film runs for 107 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Bell Jar is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bell Jar worth watching?
The Bell Jar is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.2/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Bell Jar parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Bell Jar identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Bell Jar (1979)?
The runtime of The Bell Jar (1979) is 107 minutes (approximately 1h 47m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
