Directed by Joseph Losey and written by Harold Pinter, based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Mosley. Stephen is a professor at Oxford University who is caught in a rut and feels trapped by his life in both academia and marriage. He becomes enamoured by young student Anna, who is already betrothed to another. The three of them become linked together by a horrible car crash. Starring: Dirk Bogarde, Stanley Baker, Jacqueline Sassard, Michael York, Vivien Merchant and Delphine Seyrig.
As with many films of its era, Accident is well and truly all about the men, so when viewing it with through a modern day lens, your enjoyment is highly likely to depend on what perspective you take. If you go into this film in the mind of simple entertainment, you may find it incredibly frustrating, however if you give it the benefit of the doubt and approach it as an exploration of male ego, fragility, desperation and the class system which runs rampant in the circles these characters find themselves in, there will likely be more for you to enjoy.
Part of why you might be willing to give it that sliver of extra effort is because Harold Pinter and Joseph Losey never frame their protagonist as a hero or in a particularly flattering light. The murky ethics and morals are apparent, not disguised or excused, though their characters are inherently more forgiving of them than the audience will be. Although it’s not easy or comfortable viewing so some understandably may still struggle to look past its intentionally arrogant, egocentric, narcissistic and predatory tone. It can be slightly overwhelming as Accident approaches its finale.
Losey’s direction has a sinister touch, there’s a coldness to Accident, the style itself fills the film with a touch of doom, even if the opening hadn’t done that already. The restoration work particularly highlights the fantastically deep, rich colours of the film. The suaveness of its aesthetic pairs really well with its characters’ abundance of vanity of greed. There’s something to it that almost makes it feel like a darker cousin to The Graduate.
While its story might not be the easiest to stomach, its performances are consistently captivating, which is of no surprise from actors like Dirk Bogarde, Stanley Baker, Jacqueline Sassard and Michael York. It’s a shame the women don’t get to be more involved, but the men certainly put on a show. One which is rooted in a desperately competitive persona, filled with faltering pride and a desire to prove oneself, and just desire itself.
Bogarde brings a deceptively casual air, forever delivering nonchalance on the outside, while on the inside Stephen is much more broken than he seems. Baker’s Charley is much more transparent, you can see his deep need to be needed and loved. While York’s William has a simpler nature, despite his aristocratic background, not wanting to be involved in all of their games but will delve in if he has to.
Accident is filled with male pride, ego and murky morals. It’s undoubtedly a striking portrait of men’s desperate need to prove themselves and their masculinity or sex appeal, and the dangers that follow. There’s a coldness which intensifies as the film progresses, Joseph Losey brings a harrowing tone, one that will not work for everyone as it goes to some risky places. Dirk Bogarde makes for a stellar lead with a complex, fractured yet outwardly composed performance. It’s yet another tale of men with beautiful houses, wives and children, who simply can never have enough.
