THE HIRELING
UK, 1973, 108 minutes, Colour.
Sarah Miles, Robert Shaw, Peter Allen.
Directed by Alan Bridges.
The Hireling is a fine British film which gained prizes at the Cannes Film Festival in 1973 with special commendation for Sarah Miles.
The Hireling is based on a story by L. P. Hartley and is reminiscent of The Go- Between,not only in style but also in its exploration of English society, the change in class structure and the repercussions in emotional relationships. The film is very well made - its use of faces, subdued colour, shadow and movement are excellent. The performance of Sarah Miles (recovering from a nervous breakdown, elegant aristocracy) is matched by that of Robert Shaw (a working-class driver, making believe and then becoming infatuated). The inter-relationship between the two in the post-World War I setting is explored sensitively and effectively. The Hireling is a fine film.
1. To whom did the title refer? What are the overtones of the word and how were they illustrated in the film?
2. What relationship is implied in the word 'hireling'? How did the film illustrate the nature of relationships, its implications and intricacies?
3. What was stated about the power of one person over another, consciously or unconsciously? How important is power for relating and living in this world?
4. What did the film contribute to the understanding about class structure, the inherent difficulties of the relationship between classes in such a society; the understanding of the hypocrisy involved in such class structure?
5. What was said about the nature of social change and changes in attitudes?
6. Comment on the film as a picture of England in the 1920s, after World War I. The change of attitudes and behaviour, its causes.
7. What of the theme of health, madness, obsessions? Lady Franklin was recovering her health and sanity after a breakdown; Ledbetter was healthy but disintegrating into obsession, perhaps madness and breakdown. Comment.
8. Comment on the effectiveness of the techniques and their contribution to the atmosphere and success of the film's communication. The colour, greens and blues, wintry tones? Decor, settings, the opening in the asylum, role of the car? The contrast of Ledbetter's house and garage with the stately mansion? Rides in the car - the city, buildings, countryside, boxing gym?
9. Helen Franklin - initial impressions of her breakdown, her entry into the world again, as a lady, being revived and encouraged by Ledbetter, her friendliness, sitting in the front seat of the car, recovery of her health and interest in life? Her response to Ledbetter's story of his family, beginning to take an interest in things, the trophy for the hosing and its presentation, financial help for Ledbetter? Falling in love with Cantrim? The importance of Helen's relationship with her mother? Lack of understanding of Ledbetter, and ultimate rejection of him? what did Sarah Miles contribute to the portrayal of Helen - was she completely convincing?
10. Stephen Ledbetter - the initial presentation of him as a chauffeur (hireling), class consciousness, army background, rigid attitude towards people and customs? His contribution to Helen's recovery, the change in hint, the real Ledbetter - in his garage, lack of custom, relationship with his assistant, contribution to boxing? what effect did falling in love with Helen Franklin have on him, according to class structures and his beliefs? The vindictive feeling that overcame him, especially towards Cantrim? The importance of the sequence where he sneers at Cantrim and Helen, his outburst against them and their privileges? The finale when he bashes the car (as a symbol of himself? Was Robert Shaw's performance completely convincing?
11. Helen's mother - smoking, drinking, nervousness? The effect of her character on Helen, and Helen's reaction against her? The social comment on such people in England in the presentation of the mother?
12. Ledbetter's assistant - his relationship to Ledbetter, work on the cars, comments and taunts to Ledbetter?
13. Mrs Hansen, the house, the memories for Helen of her marriage and previous life, the impact of Mrs Hansen on her?
14. The maid and her role in the film?
15. Cantrim's mistress - representing a different class and social sphere? The nature of relationships, love and hypocrisy?
16. How positive was the outlook of this film, on love, power, politics, human nature? Has it pessimistic, realistic?
17. The significance of the ending - Ledbetter hurting himself, the use of the car as a symbol?
18. The film was highly praised by critics. Did it deserve this praise? Why?
19.Was this a film of insight? Why? How valuable a film as a work of art, as a social statement?
