Harold Pinter's debut as a film director sees Alan Bates reprise his role as Ben Butley, a university don, as he struggles to stay on top of his increasingly chaotic career. The film portrays Butley's anxieties as a teacher no longer convinced that his role in life is worthwhile, with his passion for the profession falling victim to cynicism and a moral malaise. The film's strength lies in its dialogue, with the vicious banter between warring academics showing their intelligence, and the frustra find out more...