Desperate Characters (1971)

Desperate Characters (1971) poster

Sophie and Otto Bentwood are a middle-aged, middle class, childless Brooklyn Heights couple trapped in a loveless marriage. He is an attorney, she a translator of books. Their existence is affected not only by their disintegrating relationship but by the threats of urban crime and vandalism that surround them everywhere they turn, leaving them feeling paranoid, scared, and desperately helpless.

Director: Frank D. Gilroy
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 97 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Ron Carter, Jim Hall, Lee Konitz
Cinematography: Urs Furrer
Editing: Robert Q. Lovett
Production: T.D.J. Productions Inc., ITC Entertainment
Country: United Kingdom, United States of America
Language: English
Original Language: en

Themes

Battle with Depression and Hope, Crushing Despair and the Void, Suicidal Thoughts and Despair, Mental Health and Inner Struggle, Crippling Fear of the Unknown

Keywords

depression, new york city, husband wife relationship, based on novel or book, midlife crisis, despair, boredom, paranoia, frigidity, vandalism, childlessness, middle class, loveless marriage, anxiety

More Films by Director: Frank D. Gilroy
More Films in Genre: Drama

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desperate Characters about?
Sophie and Otto Bentwood are a middle-aged, middle class, childless Brooklyn Heights couple trapped in a loveless marriage. He is an attorney, she a translator of books. Their existence is affected not only by their disintegrating relationship but by the threats of urban crime and vandalism that surround them everywhere they turn, leaving them feeling paranoid, scared, and desperately helpless.
Who directed Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters was directed by Frank D. Gilroy.
Who stars in Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters stars Shirley MacLaine, Kenneth Mars, Sada Thompson, Jack Somack, Gerald S. O'Loughlin, Chris Gampel.
How long is Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters has a runtime of 1h 37m (97 minutes).
What genre is Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters is a Drama film.
Where was Desperate Characters produced?
Desperate Characters was produced in United Kingdom, United States of America.
What are the themes of Desperate Characters?
The themes of Desperate Characters include: Battle with Depression and Hope, Crushing Despair and the Void, Suicidal Thoughts and Despair, Mental Health and Inner Struggle, Crippling Fear of the Unknown.