All elements of this fine drama point towards greatness, but a choppy narrative style (feeling like chunks of information are missing) causes occasional frustration. Streep is wonderful in the lead, though the exact nature of her problems is never really explored (is she mentally ill, suffering from post-war shock?) Gielgud effortlessly steals all of his scenes, and Dance is exceptional as Streep's husband. Schepisi also knows how to use the widescreen, resulting in many gorgeous compositions.