James Ivory is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers working today. His filmography spans decades, and he’s probably best known for his Oscar-nominated work in films like “A Room with a View,” “Howards End,” and “The Remains of the Day.” And recently, as a writer, he won an Academy Award for his screenplay for “Call Me By Your Name.” However, later this month, one of his more underrated features, “The Bostonians,” is getting a special release and a brand-new restoration.
And in honor of the film’s 4K restoration premiering at the Quad, we are lucky enough to present an exclusive trailer showing just why Ivory’s post-Civil War film is something cinephiles should seek out. For those not familiar with “The Bostonians,” the film tells the story of a young woman caught in a tricky romantic drama between a women’s suffrage activist and a conservative Southern lawyer in a post-Civil War Boston. The film tackles the idea of forbidden romance, changing political landscapes, and class issues, based on the novel by Henry James.
Though not as decorated as his later works, Ivory’s “The Bostonians” was nominated for two Academy Awards, including a Best Actress nom for star Vanessa Redgrave. Joining the acclaimed actress in the film are Jessica Tandy, Linda Hunt, Madeleine Potter, and Christopher Reeve.
“The Bostonians” opens at the Quad Cinema in New York City on November 30, with James Ivory in person at select showings.
Here’s the synopsis:
Academy Award-winning actresses Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Tandy, and Linda Hunt headline an all-star cast alongside Christopher Reeve in Merchant Ivory’s adaptation of Henry James’ classic novel of forbidden romance and political intrigue in post-Civil War Boston. Fierce women’s suffrage activist Olive Chancellor (Redgrave) becomes enamored of gifted young orator Verena (Madeleine Potter), but conservative Southern lawyer (Reeve) is also vying for her heart—and her hand. The Merchant Ivory team explores the subtle power struggles between sex and class at the core of James’ novel with characteristic precision and a marvelous sense of social milieu. A Cohen Film Collection release
