On this episode we discuss two versions of Terence Ratigan’s 1952 play, The Deep Blue Sea. Terence Davies’ 2011 film version is a moving portrayal of memory and Carrie Cracknell’s National Theatre Live production from 2016 features strong characterization. We discuss adaptation choices, acting brilliance, how the two directors adapt the play to fit their interests, and more.
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This episode features Editor-in-Chief Alex Heeney, Executive Editor Orla Smith, Associate Editor Brett Pardy, and special guest Andrew Kendall (@DepartedAviator).
The Deep Blue Sea (Terence Davies, 2011)
Terence Davies adapted Terence Ratigan’s 1952 play about the end of an affair between Hester (Rachel Weisz) and younger RAF pilot, Freddie (Tom Hiddleston). Simon Russell Beale also stars as Hester’s husband William. Davies brings his own interests in post-war memory and culture to create a distinctive take on the text.
The Davies film is streaming on Hoopla and Tubi in Canada and the US, Amazon Prime and Kanopy in the US, and on DVD and VOD
The Deep Blue Sea (Carrie Cracknell, National Theatre Live, 2016)
Britain’s National Theatre staged The Deep Blue Sea in 2016, starring Helen McCrory as Hester, Tom Burke as Freddie, Peter Sullivan as William, and Marion Bailey.
Show Notes
- Listen to Andrew’s first appearance on the podcast, discussing Steven McQueen’s Small Axe
- Read Alex on how Davies’ adaptation is a memory film with an unreliable narrator
- The Deep Blue Sea was 13th on our best of the decade list. See the other choices here.
- Read Alex on the Tom Hiddleston and the hollow charm thwarting the promise of a great actor
- Visit our Special Issue on a A Quiet Passion page for more on Terence Davies
- Sign up to receive our Sundance coverage right to your inbox
