Orpheus Descending Poster

Orpheus Descending 1990

★ 3.24 votes117 min📅 1990-06-01

In *Orpheus Descending (1990)*, Peter Hall crafts a moody Southern Gothic romance set in 1940s Mississippi, where the arrival of a mysterious drifter ignites unexpected passion and upheaval.

Director: Peter Hall

Cast

Vanessa Redgrave
Vanessa Redgrave
Lady Torrance
Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson
Val Xavier
Miriam Margolyes
Miriam Margolyes
Vee Talbot
Brad Sullivan
Brad Sullivan
Jabe Torrance
Michael Emerson
Michael Emerson
Clown
Patti Allison
Dolly Hamma
Sloane Shelton
Sloane Shelton
Beulah
Manning Redwood
Manning Redwood
Talbot
Pat McNamara
Pat McNamara
Pee Wee
Anne Twomey
Anne Twomey
Carol Cutrere

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Orpheus Descending* (1990) about?

*Orpheus Descending* follows Val Xavier, a wandering soul who enters the repressive world of a Mississippi town in the 1940s. His presence disrupts the life of an Italian immigrant woman stuck in a hollow marriage, awakening long-dormant emotions. The film explores themes of freedom, desire, and the cost of defying societal norms.

Who directed *Orpheus Descending*?

The film was directed by Peter Hall, known for his work in theater and film with a keen eye for drama and character depth.

Who stars in *Orpheus Descending*?

The cast includes Vanessa Redgrave, Kevin Anderson, Miriam Margolyes, Brad Sullivan, and Michael Emerson in pivotal roles.

Is *Orpheus Descending* (1990) worth watching?

For fans of Southern Gothic dramas and character-driven stories, *Orpheus Descending* offers a rich, atmospheric experience. While its IMDb rating is unrated, the film's themes and performances, particularly Redgrave's, make it a compelling watch for those who appreciate classic romance with depth.

How long is *Orpheus Descending*?

The runtime for *Orpheus Descending* (1990) is 117 minutes.

About Orpheus Descending (1990) — A Southern Gothic Romance of Love and Rebellion

In *Orpheus Descending (1990)*, Peter Hall crafts a moody Southern Gothic romance set in 1940s Mississippi, where the arrival of a mysterious drifter ignites unexpected passion and upheaval. Val Xavier, played by Kevin Anderson, steps into the stifling life of an Italian immigrant woman trapped in a suffocating marriage, breathing fresh energy into her world with his free-spirited charm. Vanessa Redgrave delivers a powerhouse performance as the woman caught between duty and desire, while the film's rich atmosphere is steeped in themes of liberation, forbidden love, and the clash of cultures. Directed with a deliberate, atmospheric touch, this drama unfolds like a slow-burning flame, blending romance with the gritty realities of a society resistant to change. The story thrives on emotional tension, making *Orpheus Descending (1990)* a compelling watch for fans of classic dramas with depth and soul.

Featuring a stellar cast led by Redgrave and Anderson, the film immerses viewers in a world of simmering emotions and stark contrasts, where every glance and whispered word carries weight. Miriam Margolyes and Brad Sullivan round out the ensemble, adding layers of complexity to the small-town dynamics. Hall's direction ensures the narrative lingers, evoking the spirit of Tennessee Williams' works and leaving audiences pondering the boundaries of love and freedom long after the credits roll.