Prick Up Your Ears

Directed by Stephen Frears

Biographer John Lahr writes about playwright Joe Orton, chronicling Joe's ten-year relationship with Kenneth. Both aspiring writers, only Joe finds success, straining their bond.
Prick Up Your Ears is a sharp, darkly funny and ultimately tragic portrait of playwright Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell. Gary Oldman and Alfred Molina are superb, capturing attraction, dependence and corrosive jealousy without simplifying either man. Stephen Frears keeps the biographical material lively, while Alan Bennett’s screenplay provides wit without losing sight of the relationship’s sadness.

Prick Up Your Ears

Directed by Stephen Frears

Biographer John Lahr writes about playwright Joe Orton, chronicling Joe's ten-year relationship with Kenneth. Both aspiring writers, only Joe finds success, straining their bond.

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Prick Up Your Ears is a sharp, darkly funny and ultimately tragic portrait of playwright Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell. Gary Oldman and Alfred Molina are superb, capturing attraction, dependence and corrosive jealousy without simplifying either man. Stephen Frears keeps the biographical material lively, while Alan Bennett’s screenplay provides wit without losing sight of the relationship’s sadness.