For me was the same. I am an Italian man Now but in 1987 I was 20 yers. I loved this film very important for me and for my life. When I see the film Now......always fantastic.....is for me return in the past with me interior sentimental confusion. The film was for me a good special friend . Please sorry for my inglish......
As someone a lot younger, I could never truly understand how you all must’ve felt in that time. I’m grateful that you are here and that you are open. Bravo!
i was 19 in 87. being that young i didn't really grasp quite how revolutionary the whole experience was for the time. in addition to the movie itself having a happy ending which, until recently, was very rare for a gay themed film, but also seeing it in a mainstream movie theater in a mixed audience. maybe just a decade prior a movie like Maurice could not have been done, or as well received.
I remember I first saw him as the composer Chopin in Impromptu, and thinking, my God, who is this beauty and why have I never heard of him before? Shortly after that, he was all over the place: articles, magazine covers, you name it. It was inevitable.
Just love how both men grow old so gracefully. Perhaps they look old and wrinkled now, but still beautiful and just right! Far better than those frozen faces of some actors.
There's a lot of talk now that gay characters should be portrayed by gay actors. I think _Maurice_ is proof that the actor's sexuality doesn't matter as long as they are talented and understand the role. I am so glad that James Wilby, Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves all speak of how proud they are of _Maurice_ and how it has touched so many people.
the controversy of casting straight actors for gay roles is not because they aren't able to serve the role or portray it truethfully. It's mostly because openly gay actors don't get offered straight roles. So many gay actors are struggling to get big roles as the main character in a movie and the only roles they are considered for are given away to straight actors that will be cast for straight roles as well. So it's a bit more complicated.
@@TheNeededSpark Yes exactly! If roles were evenly distributed & there isn't an inequality present making it difficult for gay actors to get straight roles, I don't think anyone would mind having straight actors play gay characters and gay actors play straight characters
I don't think that's true, there are many gay actors playing big role/main characters. Take Barney from how i met your mother for example. He is openly gay and married yet he plays the role of a playboy whose only life goal is to sleep with woman. And might i add how amazingly he portrayed that role. I didn't even know he was gay when i first started watching the show, not that it even matters. Luke Evans is another favorite of mine that plays different main roles. So let's not say that gay actors are not getting big roles. And honestly, if we started dividing and distributing every work then actors will be confined to only playing a particular role/genre. Being an actor is about being able to portray different characters and bring those characters to life, regardless of the character's race or sexualitly. I'd rather see my favorite gay actors/actresses play different characters than them playing gay roles just because they're gay. Their sexualitly and their work has nothing to do with each other.
@@daadaa6356 it's the most beautiful film and novel. It's sad that people who were that way inclined had to hide it. It's the one aspect of human evolution which has progressed.
@@daadaa6356 yeah, Maurice deffo shouldn’t have gone off with Alec who was happier and free about being sexual, whereas Clive was a repressed closet case 🙄
Given when it was made., it was an incredibly brave and groundbreaking film for a lot of reasons, especially what was happening in the UK at that time. So glad it has stood the test of time. A classic that every gay person should see.
James Wilby is amazing in the film. You can barely find the charm the older actors and actress have in the younger generations anymore. Both Hugh Grant and James Wilby are very charming
@@rafiqadarr6217 I so agree about that introduction (by the novelist David Leavitt) to the 2005 Penguin Classics edition of Maurice! Leavitt is SO scathing, and downright rude about the casting of blond James Wilby because Forster’s Maurice is black-haired. Amusingly, when Wilby directed Maurice on stage in London in 2019 (at gay venue Above the Stag) he cast a black-haired Maurice, a blond, balding Clive, and an Alec physically bigger than Rupert in the film (all excellent).
I agree with James' sentiment here. This was not a film about being gay. It was a film about being in love...that happened to be between gay men. I was 20 in 1987 and it was, and remains, the most important fim of my life. It showed me that it WAS possible to be gay AND in love.
I'm a young lesbian (wasn't born ath the release of this film) and really this is my favorite gay film. And it is so moving to read that this film helped and saved so many people... I am glad to see that. I can't imagine how hard it was for gay people back then. I wish you happiness and love.
me too. i’ve seen the movie a dozen times and read the book, and something about seeing a story from more than a century ago that perfectly displays emotions i’ve felt is so lovely. also i agree with the other commenter, call me by your name is an amazing movie (james ivory won an oscar for it if that proves anything) but i think maurice remains my favorite.
For your WLW equivalent of this, watch Portrait of a Lady on Fire! These two are simply the best movies ever... and they're great _because_ it speaks to an audience that they can quite relate to, while displaying the struggle our community goes through. Even the straight audience could empathize with.
Nice, short interview. I like that they're both chugging beer throughout. Wilby seems to have a better grasp of the life-wrecking power of homophobia than Grant, who's oddly surprised by the film's effect on people.
lol Actually in other interviews Wilby and Rupert said the same thing Grant said, they All were surprised the film affect on people. they probably thought no one would care about their small budget film besides they were young new actors at that time so everything is kinda surprising to them
Josh Mills Both Wilby and Graves have said they were surprised at the reception of the film. When they were making it, they weren't expecting it to be such a profound movie, firstly because they never had the time to think. The production time was so tight they barely had time to rehearse.
I still cry at these scenes. I was 25 and still in the closet, being my country quite homophobic at that time. This scene showed me how pure and sensual love can be, how sound was my right to be alive and in the way nature wanted me to be
I saw the movie when I was 17 years old ... and 30 years after that great premiere ... and time goes by for all .... today I am 45 years old, Hugh 58 and James 60 !! beautiful moment to remember that it is also to live. hug.
YEAH I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND... before watching Maurice when they asked me my fav movie i was like "umm,,, how can i choose one? Let me think a couple years" and after watching that it was just like "What's your favourite m-" "MAURICE!"
Both of these actors will be highly regarded for this film eternally. James Wilby is to this movie what Vivien Leigh is to GWTW. One of the best gay themed films ever made. Ahead of its time, this same film made today with these actors would be Oscar level material. I have been watching this film for over 30 years and I owned it in multiple formats as it transitioned from VCR to DVD to now Amazon Prime. I always have to come back to it and watch again, like a special treat.
At 13, this book saved my life. And a few years later, the gift of this beautiful movie was so wonderful. Forever grateful to Forster, and Merchant and Ivory
Yes, they're speaking RP, or, "received pronunciation." It's the accent that's traditionally taught in posh British schools in an attempt to homogenize the speech of the upper classes. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Received_Pronunciation
I was 15, in the year 1997 when I watched that movie for the first time coincidentally. It opened my eyes to admit what I really wanted. Greetings from Germany.
Yes the movie did affect a lot of people giving them hope back in the 80s. Kind of a full circle for Grant with the new "A very british scandal". Great clip thanks!
Interesting conversation. Love how James candidly says it's the force within that pushes us to do things when in love, regardless of gender. Both actors and Rupert as well seem like people you could have inspiring conversations with. Found out about this film two months ago and ever since I can't stop rewatching it. It gets better each time I finish the story. Not an understatement when I say it's likely my favourite film out of all time. Everything about the film is incredible, the shots, the actors' performance, music, costumes. Only if some of the deleted scenes could have made it to the final. Ordered the book and it's even more beautifully written, and given the era it was written in.. It would be amazing to see them three working together in another film. I was delighted to see older Rupert and James in Clapham Junction though it was short.
In case you're not aware, as homosexuality was illegal in Britain during E M Forster's lifetime he only allowed the book's publication after his demise.
This amazing film changed my life. I was 11 in 1987 and saw it on TV in my bedroom with earphones in in case anyone heard me watching it. I already knew I was gay and remember being blown away seeing a film about gay men. It was especially important seeing one where there was a happy ending. I never had a problem being gay but worried I might never find love, but this film made me realise that it was actually possible. I came out shortly after seeing it. Still haven't found my Prince though sadly 😔
Seeing these comments made by men who were affected deeply by this movie, I'm so glad that you could be represented so well by this movie. It's a sad story, but it was what a gay relationship had to be back then--it was a crime to be gay! How well the world has changed, but how poorly some places still need to legalize gay marriage/being gay. It's still legal to kill someone for being gay in a lot of places. The world still needs changing but it will get there, someday. As for the story, even not being affected by homophobia, I still feel sorrow. It's very well written and very heartbreaking. The book and the movie. One of the best adaptations from a book I've seen.
For your interest - it was only homosexuality which was illegal. Nothing in the law books about lesbianism becase when the law was enacted, Queen Victoria didn't believe females would behave that way.
I just saw this film very recently. A life-changing moment. It’s a beautiful, delicate love story and I still think about it. Especially James’/Maurice performance stuck with me. And I just finished the book some days ago and I am even more impressed. ❤️ I hope Hugh and James know that after all these years this movie still affects people and their lifes.
It changed my life. It was all I had to go on. People now cannot really imagine. I am shocked that Forster could not publish it and that the usual writer/collaborator would not ever see it let alone work on it. It was the closest story on film to my own lived experience I had every experienced. And it was not even with men that I was in love. IF you have not seen it, do yourself the favour.
Saw this film back in the day as a 16 year old. It wasn't exactly shocking but it was very unusual as you didn't get many films so centered on homosexuality. I had previously read the book so knew the subject matter well but the film brought it to life and had such handsome actors in the main roles that it had quite an impact.
I was 15 when this movie was lauched, I was introduced to it by a friend in highschool and the film showed me there was life somewhere out. Times were tough then.. It followed my mind through my whole discovery process, and 21 years later I did my SRS and became the happy woman I am today.
Sublime film. I knew I loved it within the first few seconds of it opening with those kites and that haunting music. Always think of Maurice whenever I visit or walk by the British Museum.
I saw this film when I was in grade 11, so 16 years old. It was a revelation to me. It was the first gay themed movie I'd seen that a high production value and was not "art house" or "edgy." It was achingly beautiful, and the love stories were so sensual and natural. I came out two years later, and have seen the movie and read the book many times.
Forster died in 1971. I was a young boy, learning what "homosexuality" and being "gay" meant. It was ANOTHER world, my friends: these were still unspeakable topics. Forster himself only allowed publication of "Maurice" after his death. As happened. I finally bought a copy, still in my teens, in 1976. And years later, in 1987, by then an adult gay man, I saw the film. It wasn't Forster's greatest novel, no. But it was a great contribution to human liberation, justice & dignity.
I'll shove my oar in as well. I saw the film in 1987 when I was a very closeted 22 year old senior in college. I remember it was being shown at a matinee time only once and I skipped an important class to go see it that day, because I didn't want anyone to see me either coming or leaving the theater, as my college town was pretty small. I was shocked to see one of my friends from my dormitory sneaking in after the movie started. He was a jock frat guy through and through with a pretty little blond sorority girlfriend. He didn't see me, and I watched the movie in a very distracted frame of mind--- all the time wondering how I was going to get out of the theater after the picture ended without being seen by him. As it turned out, he left just before the credits began to roll. About a month later, he and I happened to be leaving a lecture at the same time and walked back to the dorm together. He asked me what I thought of the film! I just froze. He said he'd seen me there. I began to stammer and said I had to see it for a class assignment. He called bull on that and told me he liked the movie a lot. I said that I liked it, too, and that I had read the book a year before. We agreed not to mention to anyone that we saw each other in the theater. I then saw it again a few weeks later in another town. I was able to watch it much more closely and enjoyed it. I bought the soundtrack to the movie on cassette tape, and played it over and over again in the car until it was worn out. I would like to find a copy of that again.
I am 21, I watched this movie yesterday, and God o God, this movie wrecked me ( in a good way) like I can't watch this movie again for about a week or so but surely will come back to it again. Cauz it is just a painful movie but you just can't stay away from the emotions it brings inside. And the character Maurice, my God... Phenomenon acting, the passion and care Maurice had for Clive was unbound but still it didn't worked well. I was so much engrossed and sinking in pain all the way through this movie.
Hugh Grant was one of the prettiest young men ever to grace the silver screen. 😍 James Wilby gave one of the best performances I have ever seen on screen. He managed to go over the top without being over the top. His portrayal of Maurice was worth the wait. ❤ Both actors have these gorgeous deep voices I could listen to forever. However, top billing in the movie really should have gone to their Oscar Wilde-worthy hair! 😂
What an extraordinarily beautiful film. James Ivory is a master filmmaker and one that I don’t think gets his proper due and recognition from the film community. When you watch “Maurice”, “Howard’s End”, “Remains of the Day”, “Room with a View”, “Heat and Dust” and so many others, you can’t help but be captivated by the actors, the locations, the production and most importantly, the stories. The fact that the films hold up wonderfully 30,40 years after the fact is a testament to the talent involved.
This is so lovely! I've been entranced by this remarkable film since the moment I first saw it more than two decades ago, watched the DVD with all its extras over and over, and reveled in all the other Merchant/Ivory films. But I'd never known until this moment about the personal relationship between Merchant/Ivory, or had a clue about Jhabvala's objections. My only criticism is this is TOO SHORT! I've nothing but admiration and love for these two remarkable performers. How courageously generous they were and are.
Maurice : the first film I watched that brought hope to the gay community, in my life, that loving had a future despite the vicissitudes of life and today it is still rare, there was Carol in 2015. We breathe better with these masterpieces.
ı saw the movie last night and it was beautiful ... I myself not a gay or lesbian but I am a women who tries live in this world with some respect for myself and others it’s so heartbreaking what LGBTI+ people have to deal with all over the years and of course all of those persons who is not fit in society's expectations i just wanted to write this ıdk (sorry about my english not my mother language)
Maurice is such a beautful movie. It has to be seen. I remember we all talked about it when it was released in Paris in '87. It was so deeply emotional. Rupert Grave is missing here.
Wow Hugh Grant is still charming as ever. His beauty is etheral. One of my fave actor 🥰. Btw I need "Maurice" behind the scenes. (Ps: always Maurice x Clive shipper )
Back here. This film was way ahead of its time. Im glad i found it. And i still believe its highly under appreciated. Its truly beautiful. The acting. The cast. The cinematography. I love it genuinely
Saw the film again last night, love it! Great actors, especially James Wilby, what a great interpretation. His character is so endearing, so committed to himself. Pity we haven't seen James Wilby much after this film.
What I adored about Maurice when it first came out is that it was ahead of its time. Not just in the fact that it was a true love story and that it had a happy ending, but that it did not shy away from really showing the physicality and love between two men as ardently and as sexily as any straight film ever had. Jump ahead over 20 years later, and people are wild about another gay lfilm called Brokeback Mountain. But Brokeback is not half as timely or half as daring. This time, the film is entirely BEHIND the times, because we have already seen at least 15 years' worth of gay films all about how difficult it is to come out and accept oneself. There had already been many gay films about coming out and accepting oneself (beginning w
Wonderful commentary. The poor sound mix is unfortunate (Grant is nearly inaudible and Wilby is too loud). Wish this could have been fixed. Great to hear their perspectives all these years later on such a touching and important film.
I'm 19 as of now and I love this movie so much and have a lot of questions being a homosexual back in the day or living at that time generally. I have a long time interest about vintage stuffs. Maurice is now my no. 1 favorite movie.
See if you can find an old copy-it’s long been out of print-of The Gay Book Of Days. It goes through the entire year and has historical things on gay people and historical days.
There are some fantastic LGBTQ/cultural history books on this subject, e.g. Joseph Bristow’s work, Matt Houlbrook’s Queer London, and Matt Cook’s London and the Culture of Homosexuality 1885-1914. If you love Maurice you’ll love the cover of the last one. :) The various biographies of Forster, especially Wendy Moffat’s 2010 biog, are a real eye-opener too about being a homosexual in Forster’s time. Forster eventually found his own (complicated) kind of happy ending.
I saw this back in the day. It was the most beautiful book and movie. The best E. M. Forster book even along side A Room with a View, Howard’s End, Where Angels Fear to Tread and A Passage to India. Probably because it was the writer’s own story. All were made into movies by the brilliant Merchant Ivory team. By the way, I’m a straight woman but still see the beauty of this resplendent love story. If this movie meant something to you the book is so important to read too.
Hugh Grant showing that he's not a one show, one character actor like many of his mainstream movies would have us believe. This film is truly beautiful, we need more Merchant Ivory films, they are complete gems and nourishment for the soul.
We probably will not get more new Merchant Ivory films; Ismail died in 2005. But of course Jim is still very active in his 90s as a screenwriter (and executive producer to younger filmmakers). And the vast wonderful Merchant Ivory back catalogue of films is there to re/discover (though sadly not all as available or appreciated as they should be).
Grant has always been talented. Grant was in another Merchant-Ivory film, Remains of The Day as Reginald Cardinal. The good thing is he now has roles that showcase his immense talent. Brilliant in A Very English Scandal, The Undoing, Florence Foster Jenkins, etc.
This is probably useless trivia but the beer James Wilby is drinking is Curious Brew Session Ale, brewed in Ashford, Kent. I worked for them last year and recognised the old bottle label immediately lol
Forster writting a gay love story with a happy ending in 1914 (even though it was never published until 1971) and the fact that he said himself that it HAD to be a happy ending or else it was not worth writting it is truly incredible and brave to me, his work was groundbreaking. James Ivory did a fantastic adaptation, and I may go as far as to say it's the greatest book to film adaptation I have ever seen, with beautiful and captivating performances. Maurice will always be one of my beloved films.
I remember watching this film back in 1988 when it was on TV. I was 14. My family had all gone to bed. It was the first time I'd seen Hugh Grant and I couldn't believe how beautiful he was. It was also the first time I'd seen two men kissing, I think. I bloody LOVED it. I recently showed it to my daughters, aged 23 and 15 and they loved the film as much as I do.
1:41 The legendary and expert Cinematographer from France, Pierre L'Homme. He played a key role towards the beauty of this film. His great work must be known and continued to be discussed. It's great, appropriate and classy of James Wilby to mention him and his work. And he's correct - L'Homme brought a French cinematic touch to the film's cinematography. However, the look and style is no doubt the Merchant-Ivory production and look!
Amazing film!!! That film....Another Country.... My Beautiful Laundrette.... were rare movies back then showing beautiful - though tortured - love stories.
I love the way that they call it Morris which is its correct pronunciation most people call it well Maurice but I just recently got a hold of the new DVD that just came out of it and I adore this film I just absolutely adore it and I think that. What is missing here is Scudder he was actually I think one of the most interesting of all of the characters
They're confusing it with the French pronunciation, ie as in Maurice Chevalier. In English, Maurice is always pronounced 'Morris', like 'Cholmondley' is pronounced 'chumley'.
@@gerardbaines320 Not in America. "Maurice" is usually pronounced the French way. If you want the English pronunciation you spell it "Morris". That was certainly the case 30 years ago when I watched this movie in the States.
@@gracious1111 I'm sure you're right about the pronunciation in America but here in the UK it is pronounced Morris, I had a relative with that name! Another example is the name 'Ralph'. In the States I know it is pronounced 'Ralf' but amongst the upper classes in the UK it is pronounced 'Raif'. Having said that, Raif is considered very old fashioned even by those who would normally use it. My godson has the name but has given up and is quite happy with Ralf as it saves endless boring explanations!
I believe the reason(s) that Ruth Jhabvala, the regular Merchant/Ivory screenwriter, declined to do Maurice may be a bit more nuanced. In a later interview, James Ivory said that she told him that she felt the novel was not a strong one, something that some critics have said as well. (This of course may have been an excuse not to work on a story she had negative feelings about.) But he also said that she read the script that he and Kit Hesketh-Harvey had written and made at least one shrewd suggestion: to strengthen (or re-position?) the entrapment and trial of Risley (not in the novel) so that it was clearly connected with Clive's breakdown. As to why Jhabvala never saw the final film, if indeed that was the case, it would be just one more indication of her unusual status as THE Merchant/Ivory screenwriter... marked by the unheard-of fact that she took an active part in the editing stage of their other films, often arguing with director James Ivory about what to cut: almost unheard-of for a screenwriter to do this! AFTERNOTE: I was unaware that at this time composer Richard Robbins was involved with Ismail Merchant. He wrote the music for the vast majority of their films. His score for Maurice is superb; it's impossible to imagine the film working so brilliantly or having such a powerful emotional impact without it. UPDATE: The recent documentary "Merchant Ivory" really brings home the extraordinary synergy of this quartet of artists: producer Merchant, director Ivory, screenwriter Jhabvala and composer Robbins.
I think this is one of my favorite movies of all time. The only movie I have ever bought to keep...when DVDs were the thing! The musical score is so hauntingly nostalgic and melancholic...gets me every time...
I love this movie and it will always have a profound impact on me. But I wish they have kept the deleted scene in the film where Maurice goes to say goodbye to Clive and tell him the truth about Scudder and him. It's such a great scene that shows the difference between embracing yourself and hiding from yourself.
Two very charming, growing older handsomely men. I've always thought James Wilby very handsome over the years. I must watch this film. I'm ashamed to say I hadn't heard of it until today.
To watch this sensitive film again now, to read Forsters great book again triggered a journey through time for me, all emotions of the80s resurfaced in me, when it wasn’t so easy to admit your gay self - So: big thanks to James Ivory, the great James Wilby and Hugh Grant - your film is abel to touch the soul so deeply - even after almost 40 years!
This book and film were life changing to me. Probably saved my life. I was 22 in 1987, and being gay was not easy.
For me was the same. I am an Italian man Now but in 1987 I was 20 yers. I loved this film very important for me and for my life. When I see the film Now......always fantastic.....is for me return in the past with me interior sentimental confusion. The film was for me a good special friend . Please sorry for my inglish......
As someone a lot younger, I could never truly understand how you all must’ve felt in that time. I’m grateful that you are here and that you are open. Bravo!
For me the same! Tis book and this movies changed my life long time ago, I was in 1987 year too.
Wait it’s a book? Damn. I’ve just watched the movie
i was 19 in 87. being that young i didn't really grasp quite how revolutionary the whole experience was for the time. in addition to the movie itself having a happy ending which, until recently, was very rare for a gay themed film, but also seeing it in a mainstream movie theater in a mixed audience. maybe just a decade prior a movie like Maurice could not have been done, or as well received.
My partner and I saw the film in a large theater in SF in 1987. We're still together and love each other very much. Speak or die.
Is it better to speak or to die?
@@lorenzomontagna7654 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I;m glad. Carry its flame. Love to you both ...Kit - co-screenwriter.
@@kitheskethharvey3576
Thanks for the kind words (and a great screenplay).
All the Best to you and yours. ~
@@kitheskethharvey3576 Wow, the Kit Hesketh-Harvey! You did a very great thing here.
hugh was incredibly good looking as a young man.
So were they all.
I remember - even back then as a heterosexual teenaged male - being struck by the beauty of Hugh as Clive Durham.
I remember I first saw him as the composer Chopin in Impromptu, and thinking, my God, who is this beauty and why have I never heard of him before? Shortly after that, he was all over the place: articles, magazine covers, you name it. It was inevitable.
And as an old man too
And he looked so much like cole sprouse then
Just love how both men grow old so gracefully. Perhaps they look old and wrinkled now, but still beautiful and just right! Far better than those frozen faces of some actors.
So true
Their aged voices are nice to listen to.
They didn’t go the route of plastic surgery.
Some ACTRESSES*
@@Tkimba2 ACTORS TOO
There's a lot of talk now that gay characters should be portrayed by gay actors. I think _Maurice_ is proof that the actor's sexuality doesn't matter as long as they are talented and understand the role. I am so glad that James Wilby, Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves all speak of how proud they are of _Maurice_ and how it has touched so many people.
Wouldn’t want to restrict gay actors from playing straight roles.
the controversy of casting straight actors for gay roles is not because they aren't able to serve the role or portray it truethfully. It's mostly because openly gay actors don't get offered straight roles. So many gay actors are struggling to get big roles as the main character in a movie and the only roles they are considered for are given away to straight actors that will be cast for straight roles as well. So it's a bit more complicated.
@@TheNeededSpark preach!!
@@TheNeededSpark Yes exactly! If roles were evenly distributed & there isn't an inequality present making it difficult for gay actors to get straight roles, I don't think anyone would mind having straight actors play gay characters and gay actors play straight characters
I don't think that's true, there are many gay actors playing big role/main characters. Take Barney from how i met your mother for example. He is openly gay and married yet he plays the role of a playboy whose only life goal is to sleep with woman. And might i add how amazingly he portrayed that role. I didn't even know he was gay when i first started watching the show, not that it even matters. Luke Evans is another favorite of mine that plays different main roles. So let's not say that gay actors are not getting big roles.
And honestly, if we started dividing and distributing every work then actors will be confined to only playing a particular role/genre. Being an actor is about being able to portray different characters and bring those characters to life, regardless of the character's race or sexualitly. I'd rather see my favorite gay actors/actresses play different characters than them playing gay roles just because they're gay. Their sexualitly and their work has nothing to do with each other.
Seeing James and Hugh together again after 30 years is making me imagine Maurice and Clive reuniting again and reconciling when they are old 😭
Stop that. I'm tired of crying
Actually, E M Forster noted at the end of his novel that one or both would have likely died in the war which followed shortly after their story ended.
legit same. I just pretend the ending doesn't exist and is instead one with Clive and Maurice together hahaha
@@daadaa6356 it's the most beautiful film and novel. It's sad that people who were that way inclined had to hide it. It's the one aspect of human evolution which has progressed.
@@daadaa6356 yeah, Maurice deffo shouldn’t have gone off with Alec who was happier and free about being sexual, whereas Clive was a repressed closet case 🙄
its like.. watching ex boyfriends having a lil chat after quite some years
You have the best username I’ve seen in a while :D
@@competentparrot thanks pal :)
True 😊
for me Maurice put the gay cinema equivalent to straight cinema. its so well done! can't believe it was released so long ago!
I agree
Given when it was made., it was an incredibly brave and groundbreaking film for a lot of reasons, especially what was happening in the UK at that time. So glad it has stood the test of time. A classic that every gay person should see.
@@swordscot ..and every straight person (like myself). I love this movie.
@@monmothma3358 we’ll cheers to that!
@@monmothma3358 correct, it’s a great film with incredible messages
Hugh's smile doesn't change at all
James Wilby is amazing in the film. You can barely find the charm the older actors and actress have in the younger generations anymore. Both Hugh Grant and James Wilby are very charming
@@rafiqadarr6217 I so agree about that introduction (by the novelist David Leavitt) to the 2005 Penguin Classics edition of Maurice! Leavitt is SO scathing, and downright rude about the casting of blond James Wilby because Forster’s Maurice is black-haired. Amusingly, when Wilby directed Maurice on stage in London in 2019 (at gay venue Above the Stag) he cast a black-haired Maurice, a blond, balding Clive, and an Alec physically bigger than Rupert in the film (all excellent).
They are both from decent backgrounds and their social class and decent upbringing shine through.
I agree. A pity James Wilby didn't have a great career afterwards (such as Hugh Grant, even though I consider Wilby the far better actor).
I agree with James' sentiment here. This was not a film about being gay. It was a film about being in love...that happened to be between gay men. I was 20 in 1987 and it was, and remains, the most important fim of my life. It showed me that it WAS possible to be gay AND in love.
I'm a young lesbian (wasn't born ath the release of this film) and really this is my favorite gay film. And it is so moving to read that this film helped and saved so many people... I am glad to see that. I can't imagine how hard it was for gay people back then. I wish you happiness and love.
Please watch Call Me By Your Name ☺️
me too. i’ve seen the movie a dozen times and read the book, and something about seeing a story from more than a century ago that perfectly displays emotions i’ve felt is so lovely. also i agree with the other commenter, call me by your name is an amazing movie (james ivory won an oscar for it if that proves anything) but i think maurice remains my favorite.
Me too! its great to see we can all connect with the media all these years later
For your WLW equivalent of this, watch Portrait of a Lady on Fire! These two are simply the best movies ever... and they're great _because_ it speaks to an audience that they can quite relate to, while displaying the struggle our community goes through. Even the straight audience could empathize with.
Nice, short interview. I like that they're both chugging beer throughout. Wilby seems to have a better grasp of the life-wrecking power of homophobia than Grant, who's oddly surprised by the film's effect on people.
then, the characters really suit them though.
@@FatimDoki oh yeah
lol Actually in other interviews Wilby and Rupert said the same thing Grant said, they All were surprised the film affect on people. they probably thought no one would care about their small budget film besides they were young new actors at that time so everything is kinda surprising to them
Josh Mills Both Wilby and Graves have said they were surprised at the reception of the film. When they were making it, they weren't expecting it to be such a profound movie, firstly because they never had the time to think. The production time was so tight they barely had time to rehearse.
Grant was/ and is a prep school cement head. A prep school dunce . But he was good in that film- despite how much he doesn't contemplat.🌬🤏🏻
Hugh grant was handsome when he was young... I dare to say EXTREMELY 😮
all three men were...
He was quite the pretty man.
He wasn’t just handsome, he was pretty- prettier than many girls
And still is🤩
He still is. He might not be pretty, but there's a confidence about him with age thats undeniably sexy
I still cry at these scenes. I was 25 and still in the closet, being my country quite homophobic at that time. This scene showed me how pure and sensual love can be, how sound was my right to be alive and in the way nature wanted me to be
I saw the movie when I was 17 years old ... and 30 years after that great premiere ...
and time goes by for all .... today I am 45 years old, Hugh 58 and James 60 !!
beautiful moment to remember that it is also to live.
hug.
Omg, I'm 17 now and I watched the movie. Thanku old man🥺.
Maurice is my actual favourite film, you don’t understand
I understand 😎👌🏻
YEAH I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND... before watching Maurice when they asked me my fav movie i was like "umm,,, how can i choose one? Let me think a couple years" and after watching that it was just like "What's your favourite m-" "MAURICE!"
Dude sameeee
Totally I do ✌✌✌✌✌
I do
I was 14 when I saw the movie at the theatre, my life changed overnight.... It became part of me ever since.
Same here!!
read that book many years ago and I have to say that this movie is one of the best adaptions of a piece of literature.
The Merchant-Ivory adaptations of Forster's novels are all brilliant. They perfectly capture the spirit and essence of the books.
Both of these actors will be highly regarded for this film eternally. James Wilby is to this movie what Vivien Leigh is to GWTW. One of the best gay themed films ever made. Ahead of its time, this same film made today with these actors would be Oscar level material. I have been watching this film for over 30 years and I owned it in multiple formats as it transitioned from VCR to DVD to now Amazon Prime. I always have to come back to it and watch again, like a special treat.
At 13, this book saved my life. And a few years later, the gift of this beautiful movie was so wonderful. Forever grateful to Forster, and Merchant and Ivory
Their voices are very proper
Yes, they're speaking RP, or, "received pronunciation." It's the accent that's traditionally taught in posh British schools in an attempt to homogenize the speech of the upper classes.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Received_Pronunciation
That the Oxford (Hugh) and Durham University (James) education.
After so many years, Hugh and James are still very handsome.
James Wilby is so adorable!! 🌸💕
I was 15, in the year 1997 when I watched that movie for the first time coincidentally. It opened my eyes to admit what I really wanted. Greetings from Germany.
Yes the movie did affect a lot of people giving them hope back in the 80s. Kind of a full circle for Grant with the new "A very british scandal". Great clip thanks!
Interesting conversation. Love how James candidly says it's the force within that pushes us to do things when in love, regardless of gender. Both actors and Rupert as well seem like people you could have inspiring conversations with. Found out about this film two months ago and ever since I can't stop rewatching it. It gets better each time I finish the story. Not an understatement when I say it's likely my favourite film out of all time. Everything about the film is incredible, the shots, the actors' performance, music, costumes. Only if some of the deleted scenes could have made it to the final. Ordered the book and it's even more beautifully written, and given the era it was written in.. It would be amazing to see them three working together in another film. I was delighted to see older Rupert and James in Clapham Junction though it was short.
In case you're not aware, as homosexuality was illegal in Britain during E M Forster's lifetime he only allowed the book's publication after his demise.
Clapham Junction: And Phoebe Nichols from Brideshead Revisited.
Shame that Rupert Graves/Scudder is not included in this interview. Nonetheless, great video, thanks!
Me Too
sm
Love him. Crush crush
Rupert didn‘t participate in the event (or any of the promo around the BFI Maurice release), though he must surely have been invited.
@@OutrageousThings I might have been scheduling conflict.
This amazing film changed my life. I was 11 in 1987 and saw it on TV in my bedroom with earphones in in case anyone heard me watching it. I already knew I was gay and remember being blown away seeing a film about gay men. It was especially important seeing one where there was a happy ending. I never had a problem being gay but worried I might never find love, but this film made me realise that it was actually possible. I came out shortly after seeing it. Still haven't found my Prince though sadly 😔
🫂❤
Godspeed. Everyone deserves a chance at love. 😊
Seeing these comments made by men who were affected deeply by this movie, I'm so glad that you could be represented so well by this movie. It's a sad story, but it was what a gay relationship had to be back then--it was a crime to be gay! How well the world has changed, but how poorly some places still need to legalize gay marriage/being gay. It's still legal to kill someone for being gay in a lot of places. The world still needs changing but it will get there, someday.
As for the story, even not being affected by homophobia, I still feel sorrow. It's very well written and very heartbreaking. The book and the movie. One of the best adaptations from a book I've seen.
A sad story - but famous for its happy ending! (The happy ending is exactly why Forster felt unable to publish the novel during his lifetime.)
For your interest - it was only homosexuality which was illegal. Nothing in the law books about lesbianism becase when the law was enacted, Queen Victoria didn't believe females would behave that way.
Wdym, it's a happy ending.
I just saw this film very recently. A life-changing moment. It’s a beautiful, delicate love story and I still think about it. Especially James’/Maurice performance stuck with me. And I just finished the book some days ago and I am even more impressed. ❤️ I hope Hugh and James know that after all these years this movie still affects people and their lifes.
It changed my life. It was all I had to go on. People now cannot really imagine. I am shocked that Forster could not publish it and that the usual writer/collaborator would not ever see it let alone work on it. It was the closest story on film to my own lived experience I had every experienced. And it was not even with men that I was in love. IF you have not seen it, do yourself the favour.
Rupert Graves is a very busy actor, but I wish there could be an interview with all 3 of them together discussing the film. BFI? BAFTA?
BFI = British Film Institute.
Yes, yes, yes
Sadly for many men, a life of secrets continues. And yes, predominantly married gay men....
The fact that Hugh still sounds the same as he did in 1987-
His voice has deepened a lot with age. Its sexier.
Tender Edwardian love stories are the best.
Saw this film back in the day as a 16 year old. It wasn't exactly shocking but it was very unusual as you didn't get many films so centered on homosexuality. I had previously read the book so knew the subject matter well but the film brought it to life and had such handsome actors in the main roles that it had quite an impact.
I was 15 when this movie was lauched, I was introduced to it by a friend in highschool and the film showed me there was life somewhere out. Times were tough then.. It followed my mind through my whole discovery process, and 21 years later I did my SRS and became the happy woman I am today.
Sublime film. I knew I loved it within the first few seconds of it opening with those kites and that haunting music. Always think of Maurice whenever I visit or walk by the British Museum.
Classic British movie with excellent performance from James,Hugh and Rupert who unfortunately,Is missing from this lovely interview.
It's insane how both still so handsome at that age.
Wow! So happy for this interview with these actors. Maurice was a great movie. Thanks for uploading this.
I saw this film when I was in grade 11, so 16 years old. It was a revelation to me. It was the first gay themed movie I'd seen that a high production value and was not "art house" or "edgy." It was achingly beautiful, and the love stories were so sensual and natural. I came out two years later, and have seen the movie and read the book many times.
Forster died in 1971. I was a young boy, learning what "homosexuality" and being "gay" meant. It was ANOTHER world, my friends: these were still unspeakable topics. Forster himself only allowed publication of "Maurice" after his death. As happened. I finally bought a copy, still in my teens, in 1976. And years later, in 1987, by then an adult gay man, I saw the film. It wasn't Forster's greatest novel, no. But it was a great contribution to human liberation, justice & dignity.
I'll shove my oar in as well. I saw the film in 1987 when I was a very closeted 22 year old senior in college. I remember it was being shown at a matinee time only once and I skipped an important class to go see it that day, because I didn't want anyone to see me either coming or leaving the theater, as my college town was pretty small. I was shocked to see one of my friends from my dormitory sneaking in after the movie started. He was a jock frat guy through and through with a pretty little blond sorority girlfriend. He didn't see me, and I watched the movie in a very distracted frame of mind--- all the time wondering how I was going to get out of the theater after the picture ended without being seen by him. As it turned out, he left just before the credits began to roll. About a month later, he and I happened to be leaving a lecture at the same time and walked back to the dorm together. He asked me what I thought of the film! I just froze. He said he'd seen me there. I began to stammer and said I had to see it for a class assignment. He called bull on that and told me he liked the movie a lot. I said that I liked it, too, and that I had read the book a year before. We agreed not to mention to anyone that we saw each other in the theater.
I then saw it again a few weeks later in another town. I was able to watch it much more closely and enjoyed it. I bought the soundtrack to the movie on cassette tape, and played it over and over again in the car until it was worn out. I would like to find a copy of that again.
what a beautiful story! seems you've found a beautiful friendship in hard times and impossible places ❤
I am 21, I watched this movie yesterday, and God o God, this movie wrecked me ( in a good way) like I can't watch this movie again for about a week or so but surely will come back to it again. Cauz it is just a painful movie but you just can't stay away from the emotions it brings inside. And the character Maurice, my God... Phenomenon acting, the passion and care Maurice had for Clive was unbound but still it didn't worked well. I was so much engrossed and sinking in pain all the way through this movie.
Hugh Grant was one of the prettiest young men ever to grace the silver screen. 😍 James Wilby gave one of the best performances I have ever seen on screen. He managed to go over the top without being over the top. His portrayal of Maurice was worth the wait. ❤ Both actors have these gorgeous deep voices I could listen to forever. However, top billing in the movie really should have gone to their Oscar Wilde-worthy hair! 😂
What an extraordinarily beautiful film. James Ivory is a master filmmaker and one that I don’t think gets his proper due and recognition from the film community. When you watch “Maurice”, “Howard’s End”, “Remains of the Day”, “Room with a View”, “Heat and Dust” and so many others, you can’t help but be captivated by the actors, the locations, the production and most importantly, the stories. The fact that the films hold up wonderfully 30,40 years after the fact is a testament to the talent involved.
This is so lovely! I've been entranced by this remarkable film since the moment I first saw it more than two decades ago, watched the DVD with all its extras over and over, and reveled in all the other Merchant/Ivory films. But I'd never known until this moment about the personal relationship between Merchant/Ivory, or had a clue about Jhabvala's objections. My only criticism is this is TOO SHORT! I've nothing but admiration and love for these two remarkable performers. How courageously generous they were and are.
Personal favourite. Better than CMBYN
definitely!
Much better！
Have you watched God's Own Country?
Absolutely.
Maurice : the first film I watched that brought hope to the gay community, in my life, that loving had a future despite the vicissitudes of life and today it is still rare, there was Carol in 2015. We breathe better with these masterpieces.
even this years-after interview made me burst into tears. I will never get out from this movie, from Maurice, from this sadness of life.
Same! 🫂
The best gay film, and book, of all time. Made a very big impact on me when young James Wilby was my first crush on film.
ı saw the movie last night and it was beautiful ... I myself not a gay or lesbian but I am a women who tries live in this world with some respect for myself and others it’s so heartbreaking what LGBTI+ people have to deal with all over the years and of course all of those persons who is not fit in society's expectations i just wanted to write this ıdk (sorry about my english not my mother language)
Maurice is such a beautful movie. It has to be seen.
I remember we all talked about it when it was released in Paris in '87.
It was so deeply emotional.
Rupert Grave is missing here.
I saw this film when it came out and it's been one of my very favorite love stories ever since. Thanks to all involved!
Forever a Maurice and Scudder stan
Wow Hugh Grant is still charming as ever. His beauty is etheral. One of my fave actor 🥰. Btw I need "Maurice" behind the scenes.
(Ps: always Maurice x Clive shipper )
This was a wonderful movie I liked how the theme was school-age innocence along with mischief
Back here. This film was way ahead of its time. Im glad i found it. And i still believe its highly under appreciated. Its truly beautiful. The acting. The cast. The cinematography. I love it genuinely
Saw the film again last night, love it! Great actors, especially James Wilby, what a great interpretation. His character is so endearing, so committed to himself. Pity we haven't seen James Wilby much after this film.
I recommend watching 'A Handful of Dust', 'A Summer Story' and 'A Tale of Two Cities'. James was also in 'Howard's End'.
been five years since I first watched this and GUESS WHAT? i still can't move on from thisssssssah
Maurice is a beautiful movie. Nice Interview, and the actors aged very well!
I’ve always loved this movie, even as a straight woman. I think it was the first thing I ever saw Hugh Grant in.
I love how they look at each other
daaaamn three decades had past and they still look greaaaat
someone should make a sequel for maurice where maurice and clive met three decades after
What I adored about Maurice when it first came out is that it was ahead of its time. Not just in the fact that it was a true love story and that it had a happy ending, but that it did not shy away from really showing the physicality and love between two men as ardently and as sexily as any straight film ever had.
Jump ahead over 20 years later, and people are wild about another gay lfilm called Brokeback Mountain.
But Brokeback is not half as timely or half as daring.
This time, the film is entirely BEHIND the times, because we have already seen at least 15 years' worth of gay films all about how difficult it is to come out and accept oneself. There had already been many gay films about coming out and accepting oneself (beginning w
this video is too short! I love James Wilby
They aged gracefully 💕
the top photos that pop up when you Google james don't do him justice tho
Wonderful commentary. The poor sound mix is unfortunate (Grant is nearly inaudible and Wilby is too loud). Wish this could have been fixed. Great to hear their perspectives all these years later on such a touching and important film.
I'm 19 as of now and I love this movie so much and have a lot of questions being a homosexual back in the day or living at that time generally. I have a long time interest about vintage stuffs. Maurice is now my no. 1 favorite movie.
See if you can find an old copy-it’s long been out of print-of The Gay Book Of Days. It goes through the entire year and has historical things on gay people and historical days.
There are some fantastic LGBTQ/cultural history books on this subject, e.g. Joseph Bristow’s work, Matt Houlbrook’s Queer London, and Matt Cook’s London and the Culture of Homosexuality 1885-1914. If you love Maurice you’ll love the cover of the last one. :) The various biographies of Forster, especially Wendy Moffat’s 2010 biog, are a real eye-opener too about being a homosexual in Forster’s time. Forster eventually found his own (complicated) kind of happy ending.
I saw this back in the day. It was the most beautiful book and movie. The best E. M. Forster book even along side A Room with a View, Howard’s End, Where Angels Fear to Tread and A Passage to India. Probably because it was the writer’s own story. All were made into movies by the brilliant Merchant Ivory team. By the way, I’m a straight woman but still see the beauty of this resplendent love story. If this movie meant something to you the book is so important to read too.
Hugh Grant showing that he's not a one show, one character actor like many of his mainstream movies would have us believe. This film is truly beautiful, we need more Merchant Ivory films, they are complete gems and nourishment for the soul.
We probably will not get more new Merchant Ivory films; Ismail died in 2005. But of course Jim is still very active in his 90s as a screenwriter (and executive producer to younger filmmakers). And the vast wonderful Merchant Ivory back catalogue of films is there to re/discover (though sadly not all as available or appreciated as they should be).
Grant has always been talented. Grant was in another Merchant-Ivory film, Remains of The Day as Reginald Cardinal. The good thing is he now has roles that showcase his immense talent. Brilliant in A Very English Scandal, The Undoing, Florence Foster Jenkins, etc.
This is probably useless trivia but the beer James Wilby is drinking is Curious Brew Session Ale, brewed in Ashford, Kent. I worked for them last year and recognised the old bottle label immediately lol
I was a terrified teenager when I saw this miracle of a film. It is the biggest gift to my heart to this day!
My first next door neighbours were friends of James Wilby's grandparents, don't know how cos I'm in Oldham...
Great interview and video.
I m 35 and i cant believe i just watched this movie today , is beautiful
what I remeber most is the look of Clive ( Hugh Grant) at the end it was the look of somebody lost and empty.
i'm crushing on young james wilby. im crying 😭
Forster writting a gay love story with a happy ending in 1914 (even though it was never published until 1971) and the fact that he said himself that it HAD to be a happy ending or else it was not worth writting it is truly incredible and brave to me, his work was groundbreaking. James Ivory did a fantastic adaptation, and I may go as far as to say it's the greatest book to film adaptation I have ever seen, with beautiful and captivating performances. Maurice will always be one of my beloved films.
I remember watching this film back in 1988 when it was on TV. I was 14. My family had all gone to bed. It was the first time I'd seen Hugh Grant and I couldn't believe how beautiful he was. It was also the first time I'd seen two men kissing, I think. I bloody LOVED it. I recently showed it to my daughters, aged 23 and 15 and they loved the film as much as I do.
I've watched the movie three times. It's one of my favourites. So many memories with Maurice
1:41 The legendary and expert Cinematographer from France, Pierre L'Homme. He played a key role towards the beauty of this film. His great work must be known and continued to be discussed. It's great, appropriate and classy of James Wilby to mention him and his work. And he's correct - L'Homme brought a French cinematic touch to the film's cinematography. However, the look and style is no doubt the Merchant-Ivory production and look!
WoW! This is recent! Thank you BFI! :D
a great interview. thank you!
Wilby, Grant and Graves were the go-to actors for period dramas in the 80s.
Maurice is one of my all time favourite films. Changed my life.
They were both very handsome when they were younger. And Rupert too. I love him also in A Room With A View
Amazing film!!! That film....Another Country.... My Beautiful Laundrette.... were rare movies back then showing beautiful - though tortured - love stories.
I love EM Forster and this film did his work justice, two heartbreakingly good actors in the title roles, I never tire of rewatching it. ❤
I love the way that they call it Morris which is its correct pronunciation most people call it well Maurice but I just recently got a hold of the new DVD that just came out of it and I adore this film I just absolutely adore it and I think that. What is missing here is Scudder he was actually I think one of the most interesting of all of the characters
Some people call it "Maurice". Something to do with the pompatus of love, I think.
Dr Parnassus I think you're right
They're confusing it with the French pronunciation, ie as in Maurice Chevalier. In English, Maurice is always pronounced 'Morris', like 'Cholmondley' is pronounced 'chumley'.
@@gerardbaines320 Not in America. "Maurice" is usually pronounced the French way. If you want the English pronunciation you spell it "Morris". That was certainly the case 30 years ago when I watched this movie in the States.
@@gracious1111 I'm sure you're right about the pronunciation in America but here in the UK it is pronounced Morris, I had a relative with that name! Another example is the name 'Ralph'. In the States I know it is pronounced 'Ralf' but amongst the upper classes in the UK it is pronounced 'Raif'. Having said that, Raif is considered very old fashioned even by those who would normally use it. My godson has the name but has given up and is quite happy with Ralf as it saves endless boring explanations!
When casting is done right thats what happens boom a classic ❤️ I love Maurice both book and film❤️
I believe the reason(s) that Ruth Jhabvala, the regular Merchant/Ivory screenwriter, declined to do Maurice may be a bit more nuanced. In a later interview, James Ivory said that she told him that she felt the novel was not a strong one, something that some critics have said as well. (This of course may have been an excuse not to work on a story she had negative feelings about.) But he also said that she read the script that he and Kit Hesketh-Harvey had written and made at least one shrewd suggestion: to strengthen (or re-position?) the entrapment and trial of Risley (not in the novel) so that it was clearly connected with Clive's breakdown. As to why Jhabvala never saw the final film, if indeed that was the case, it would be just one more indication of her unusual status as THE Merchant/Ivory screenwriter... marked by the unheard-of fact that she took an active part in the editing stage of their other films, often arguing with director James Ivory about what to cut: almost unheard-of for a screenwriter to do this! AFTERNOTE: I was unaware that at this time composer Richard Robbins was involved with Ismail Merchant. He wrote the music for the vast majority of their films. His score for Maurice is superb; it's impossible to imagine the film working so brilliantly or having such a powerful emotional impact without it. UPDATE: The recent documentary "Merchant Ivory" really brings home the extraordinary synergy of this quartet of artists: producer Merchant, director Ivory, screenwriter Jhabvala and composer Robbins.
This movie is like a complete story...very touching and inspiring
I think this is one of my favorite movies of all time. The only movie I have ever bought to keep...when DVDs were the thing! The musical score is so hauntingly nostalgic and melancholic...gets me every time...
I found this film exquisite. Oh, that the blush is always on the rose, and to keep our complexions as fresh as milk!
I love this movie and it will always have a profound impact on me. But I wish they have kept the deleted scene in the film where Maurice goes to say goodbye to Clive and tell him the truth about Scudder and him. It's such a great scene that shows the difference between embracing yourself and hiding from yourself.
Two very charming, growing older handsomely men. I've always thought James Wilby very handsome over the years. I must watch this film. I'm ashamed to say I hadn't heard of it until today.
To watch this sensitive film again now, to read Forsters great book again triggered a journey through time for me, all emotions of the80s resurfaced in me, when it wasn’t so easy to admit your gay self -
So: big thanks to James Ivory, the great James Wilby and Hugh Grant - your film is abel to touch the soul so deeply - even after almost 40 years!