Little Eyolf (1982)

A frustrated writer (Anthony Hopkins) has decided to put his latest book aside and concentrate on raising his young son (Timothy Stark) to the consternation of his wife (Diana Rigg) who feels the child stands in the way of their relationship. Based on the 1894 play by Henrik Ibsen and directed by Michael Darlow. I can't help but wonder if Edward Albee had read LITTLE EYOLF as there's more than a little of Ibsen's play in Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?. Certainly the cruel love/hate relationship of Hopkins and Rigg resembles Albee's George and Martha and they go at it with claw and hammer. In fact, there are two other characters, a sister (Emma Piper) and her suitor (Charles Dance) who stand in for Albee's Nick and Honey. I can see why it's not performed as frequently as Ibsen's more well known plays like HEDDA GABLER or A DOLL'S HOUSE. It's an unsettling downbeat piece though it has great roles for the two lead actors. It's powerful stuff but not exactly a pleasant experience. With Peggy Ashcroft, who makes the most of her one scene.