Prick up Your Ears (1987)
Directed by Stephen Frears
111 minutes
Floor 3 Pink Zone 791.4372 PRI
You will have noticed on the Library’s ground floor graffiti artwork by the artist Stewy. If you have ever wondered who the man in the painting is you should watch Prick up Your Ears, a biographical film about the life of Joe Orton.
Prick up Your Ears is a warts-and-all depiction of Orton (Gary Oldman), presenting his quick wit, writing talent, and natural charm; but equally showing his less than perfect relationship with Kenneth Halliwell (Alfred Molina), neglecting his partner through various affairs. There is a reality to this narrative which is slow at times but Orton’s quite eccentric behaviour intrigues. Gary Oldman portrays Joe Orton in one of his very first screen roles; to see him so young is a little strange, but he is no less charismatic and embodies Orton well. Alfred Molina provokes both feelings of aggravation and sympathy, portraying the tormented Halliwell well. Julie Walters is also brilliant as ever in a cameo role as Orton’s mother, stealing the scene.
The depiction of homosexuality in the 1960s is interesting, showing the mixed response to sexuality among the 1960s British public and acting as a sad reminder that it was not that long ago that homosexuality was criminalised. Regardless of the law, Orton is able to attract various lovers – seemingly finding as much excitement from risk and seduction. I am not usually one to advocate for more nudity in film, but given the lusty depiction of Orton’s sexual life, and the fact that his plays are known for their shock and scandal, the lack of nudity in Prick up Your Ears appears prudish. This appears to suggest that even in the late 1980s homosexuality remained somewhat a taboo subject for the screen. I wonder if the film was remade today whether this would be different.
It is a pleasant change to see films set in the local area. For instance, there is reference to Orton’s brief time performing at the Little Theatre, following the likes of Richard Attenborough, before moving towards professional theatre training with RADA. The Little Theatre also portrays Stewy’s depiction of Joe Orton in their bar area. Gary Oldman’s Leicester accent cleverly fades with his theatre training (as was expected by Orton’s elocution instructor). Hearing the greeting ‘duck’ put a smile on my face, though other actors could be reminded that the East Midlands accent is not the same as a Birmingham accent (this criticism may seem pedantic, but is a point close to home for myself).
Orton’s behaviour in Prick up Your Ears will amuse. His deceptive games with a psychiatrist are particularly of note, as is his relationship with The Beatles. Though amusing in the film, I would caution against copying Orton with his infamous vandalisation of library books. In truth I will also note some issue with the DVD picture quality, which I think is suggestive of the seemingly low budget nature of the film; but this should not prevent you from watching and learning about a Leicester icon for next time you pass his portrait in the David Wilson Library.
Why It’s significant?
What finer way is there to celebrate LBGT+ Month at the University of Leicester than to watch a film focusing on a gay playwright from Leicester? Orton’s foray into British theatre was sadly short, but his black comedies continue to amuse through the ages.
If You Like This, You May Also Like From The Library:
Moonlight, dir. by Barry Jenkins (A24, 2016) – The Academy Award Best Picture winner follows the life of Chiron Harris (Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes) finding his sexuality and challenging the expectations of ‘black masculinity’. (791.4372 MOO).
Todo Sobre Mi Madre (trans. All about My Mother), dir. by Pedro Almodóvar (Warner Sogefilms, 1999) [Spanish Language] – A risqué narrative compared to Prick up Your Ears. Almodóvar’s visual style is stunning, whilst the narrative explores themes of transvestitism, homosexuality, and faith.
The Library also has several of Orton’s works including Loot (1965)and What the Butler Saw (1968); his complete works is available at Floor 3 Orange Zone 822.91 ORT.
Written by Phil Wintle
