More women, slightly less wonder on screen
A fascinating insight into the wonderfully strange genesis of this iconic character.
Professor Marston And The Wonder Women (R13, 108 mins). Directed by Angela Robinson ★★★1⁄2
The second Wonder Woman origin story to hit cinemas this year might not have the same action chops as Patty Jenkins’ blockbuster, but it certainly delivers on thought-provoking adult entertainment.
Like the DC Extended Universe tale, this period drama is set up as a similar battle between Diana of Themyscira and the powerful enemies out to destroy her.
However, in this case, it’s not the German military but rather the Child Study Association of America.
They’ve hauled her creator Charles Moulton (actually a pseudonym for psychologist William Moulton Marston) in to discuss their concerns about the penchant for displays of bondage and homosexuality in the Wonder Woman comics, which were, at that stage, outstripping Superman in sales. As he defends his work (kink and all), something he confesses was designed to inject his beloved Disc (dominance, inducement, submission, compliance) behavioural theory ‘‘right into the thumping heart of America’’, Marston (Luke Evans) reflects on his 20-year journey.
Beginning with him and his wife Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall) arriving to teach at Harvard and Radcliffe universities respectively in 1928, Marston’s tale recalls their early studies into deception and the appearance of the young woman who would change both their lives – Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote).
Although dismissed by members of the Marston family for some of its more provocative suggestions and salacious moments, Angela Robinson’s (The L Word, Herbie: Fully Loaded) film still provides a fascinating insight into the wonderfully strange genesis of this iconic character.
Fans of period dramas will enjoy the tensions as the rulebreaking Marstons and their young charge put their theories to the test and challenge societal norms.
Indeed, it’s hard not to be struck by the similarities between this and the excellent series Masters Of Sex, which dramatised the scientific and romantic adventures of human sexual response researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson.
But Robinson only gets two hours to establish characters and weave a compelling narrative, which leaves some scenes feeling rushed.
Which is something of a pity as Evans (The Hobbit trilogy) and Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) make for a memorably spiky couple, and Heathcote (The Neon Demon) steals hearts and scenes as their ingenue who has the potential to prove their equal.
If there’s any justice, this perfectly-timed counterprogramming to the Amazon princess’ other big-screen date will find an audience of those curious to learn of the strange, almostsurreal story behind her silver bracelets and burlesque outfit.
– James Croot