The Servant

This article concerns the film. For the band, see The Servant (band)_Film |

  name     = The Servant| 
  image          = SERVANTLOSEYBOGARDE.jpg |
  caption  = The Servant DVD cover |

director = Joseph Losey | producer = Joseph Losey
Norman Priggen | writer = Robin Maugham
Harold Pinter | music = John Dankworth | starring = Dirk Bogarde
Sarah Miles
James Fox
Wendy Craig | distributor = Landau Releasing Organization (LRO) | released = November, 1963 (premiere) |

  runtime        = 112 min. |
  language = English  |
  imdb_id        = 0057490 |
  budget         = |       

awards = |}}

The Servant is a 1963 British film, directed by Joseph Losey and starring Dirk Bogarde, Sarah Miles, Wendy Craig, and James Fox.

Synopsis

The film, adapted for the screen by Harold Pinter from the novel of the same name by Robin Maugham, is a tightly woven psychological drama that focuses on the relationships between the four central characters. The intricacies of class, servitude, ennui and Pyrrhic victory are examined and exploded.

Barrett initially appears to take to his new job with ease. He and Tony (Fox) form a quiet sort of bond that nevertheless maintains their social roles. Things slowly start to go haywire, however, at the introduction of Tony's emotionally stilted girlfriend, Susan (Wendy Craig). She seems to loathe Barrett and all that he represents.

This film explores aspects of class, ennui, and servitude in a scenario where all the major players appear bored with playing out their social roles. (Featuring a soundtrack by John Dankworth and title track "All Gone" sung by Cleo Laine.)