The Collection

"He also was lumped in with the Angry Young Man crowd." "He was lumped in a lot of places and I think it was because no one knew where to put him." http://illusionpodcast.blogspot.com/2015/08/episode-70-harold-pinter-on-film-part.html

Simmering, beautifully observed drama which spotlights marvellously restrained, subtle performances from Bates and McDowell (with sparking tension between the two of them threatening to burn up the screen!) By contrast, Olivier seems too mannered and theatrical (in his usual style) and it does feel as if Mirren's underdeveloped role should logically be played by a man, but such minor quibbles don't detract from this otherwise perfectly realised (and brief) staged drama.