I have a feeling this film might be judged differently by Brits. Americans have to slog through the rather dense colloquialisms and accent to understand the main character, in particular.
When they do, they find that Arthur Seaton (Albert Finney) is something of an anti-hero. Brando's character in "The Wild Bunch" famously said, when asked what he was rebelling against: "Whatta ya got?" Arthur is pretty much cut from the same cloth, though he doesn't go as far out of his way to offend the establishment. He is more of a libertarian who wants to be left alone to live by his own rules. He is also very selfish in the negative sense. He cares little for the feelings of others, even those he cares about. He is driven without any idea where he is headed.
The acting in "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" is quite good. All of the characterizations are strong.
Opinions of posters here disagree about the ending. Has Arthur changed or not? Throughout the film, there are a few projectiles launched in rebellion. At the end of the film, Arthur throws a rock at a new house. When his girlfriend scolds him, he says, "It won't be the last one I throw." Clearly, he maintains his attitude toward the world and its conformist rules. The lack of a personal arc is a little disappointing, but the character rings true.
When they do, they find that Arthur Seaton (Albert Finney) is something of an anti-hero. Brando's character in "The Wild Bunch" famously said, when asked what he was rebelling against: "Whatta ya got?" Arthur is pretty much cut from the same cloth, though he doesn't go as far out of his way to offend the establishment. He is more of a libertarian who wants to be left alone to live by his own rules. He is also very selfish in the negative sense. He cares little for the feelings of others, even those he cares about. He is driven without any idea where he is headed.
The acting in "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" is quite good. All of the characterizations are strong.
Opinions of posters here disagree about the ending. Has Arthur changed or not? Throughout the film, there are a few projectiles launched in rebellion. At the end of the film, Arthur throws a rock at a new house. When his girlfriend scolds him, he says, "It won't be the last one I throw." Clearly, he maintains his attitude toward the world and its conformist rules. The lack of a personal arc is a little disappointing, but the character rings true.