Completed - ENGLISH - Drama - 87 minutes
Based on the novella The Beast in the Jungle by Henry James (1903) this film depicts the miraculous love story of John Marcher and May Bartram. Their duet around an ominous secret is captured in a style both physical and poetic.
Year of production : 2017 Director(s) : Clara Van GOOL Cast : Dane Jeremy HURST, Sarah REYNOLDS, Claire JOHNSTON Producer(s) : Hanneke NIENS (KEYFILM)
THE BEAST IN THE JUNGLE is a film adaptation of Henry James’ 19th century novella of the same name. Set in a remote English country mansion and stretching from the Jamesian era to a globalised present-day setting, the film uses dance to recount the epic and unconventional love story of John Marcher (Dane Jeremy Hurst) and May Bartram (Sarah Reynolds). During a chance encounter ten years after first meeting, May reminds John that he once revealed to her a deep and menacing conviction that his life would be defined by a great experience – one that was waiting for him “like a Beast in the Jungle.” Intrigued by his continued belief in this foreboding secret, May decides to stay by John’s side and soon develops feelings of genuine love for him. John is not able to reciprocate her devotion, preferring instead to resume his shallow life as a travelling businessman. Only when it’s too late, does John realize that the beast had already sprung in the jungle of his life.
Country(ies) : NETHERLANDS
Rotterdam IFF 2019 Voices