ATTITUDE (January edition):



In 1971, two years after the Oscar-winning MIDNIGHT COWBOY, John Schlesinger directed this fascinating character study about the pursuit of love and the acceptance of unhappiness.



Apparently based on the filmmaker's real-life experiences, which were then distilled into a narrative by screenwriter Penelope Gilliat, SUNDAY, BLOODY SUNDAY illuminates an intriguing menage a trois involving forty-something Jewish physician Dr. Daniel Hirsch (Peter Finch), thirty-something divorcee Alex Greville (Glenda Jackson) and the flighty bisexual artist, Bob Elkin (Murray Head), they knowingly share.



Daniel and Alex crave more of young Bob's time, but he resists, casually remarking, "I know you feel you're not getting enough of me, but you're getting all there is."



The older lovers contemplate their needs and desires, pondering whether - at their time of life - the briefest companionship is preferable to solitude, with Alex telling herself forcefully, "There are times when nothing has to be better than anything."



Who is she kidding? Meanwhile, Daniel, whose choices are much more limited (or so he believes) because of his sexuality, accepts the meagre scraps of comfort that Bob casually throws his way. Doesn't he deserve more?



Available on DVD for the first time, SUNDAY, BLOODY SUNDAY is a milestone in British cinema, dealing frankly with emotional repression and the issue of homosexuality.



Finch and Jackson deliver powerful performances that tug the heartstrings (both were nominated for Oscars), conveying the fear, vulnerability and sadness that enslave their characters - and enslave us all.