always and everywhere

Howards End (1992)

One of the best (if not the outright best) Merchant Ivory literary adaptations, this beautiful rendering of E. M. Forster's classic English novel about shifting attitudes and values (and gender roles) at the turn-of-the-century balances a terrific cast with a beautiful visual style that underscores the beauty of the natural world in a rapidly modernizing era.

Director: James Ivory

Cinematographer: Tony Pierce-Roberts

Production Designer: Luciana Arrighi

Costume Designers: Jenny Beavan and John Bright

Who wants love? I’ve never had it. I didn’t ask for it now. There’s something else though. Something I’ve had all my life. Something I thought I’d have to die to get rid of. Have you ever been hungry, Giulio? Well, I have. They tell me it’s as strong as love. Well, I’ll tell you, it’s stronger. All your life to want things you’ve seen and heard about and dreamed about. Things like, well…Like those lies I told you that day. You knew I was lying. I couldn’t even believe myself. They were too fantastic. Maybe I’ll never have all of them. Maybe I’ll never even have one of them. But I’ve had a taste, and I’ve got a chance at more and I’m gonna take it. Do you see?

Laura Benson, “In the Center of the Home There is a Tunnel”