Is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1989)

📖 The Core Premise

A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible returns to the screen in 1989, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "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."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Ken Russell's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 50 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.