Miss Julie

Figgis took a leaf out of Dogma 95's book for this modern interpretation that uses handhelds to create a claustrophobic character study with an emotional intimacy that wouldn't be possible with conventional shooting methods. When it works it's an intense experience: the verbal barbs traded between Julie and Jean sting with brittle discord, heightening the central theme of class conflict, but the budget constraints are sometimes obtrusive and Burrows is a frustratingly uneven Julie.

Saffron Burrows is radiant as the entitled heiress using her noble power to pursue her man servant. He proves to be more than she expected, strong minded and dignified. Despite the strict rules of their class separation, she is drawn to him. Even though this is a low budget production and most of the action occurs in just one room, the dialog is interesting with a few intense scenes. After they have sex in the corner the power struggle gets very uncomfortable and tragically serious.