Even now, aged 67, Charlotte Rampling always brings a powerful sexuality to her roles. Enigmatic, icy and intelligent, she excels at playing women firmly in control.
It’s a trait that heightens her stunning performance as Elizabeth in The Eye Of The Storm, adapted from the Australian novel by Patrick White.

The widowed matriarch of a wealthy family, Elizabeth summons her children to her deathbed. Even in her weakened state, she dons make-up and jewels and hurls embittered judgements.

Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis are excellent as the babied, luvvie favourite and the embittered forgotten child, respectively. That these actors could be regarded as too old for the roles – Rush is only six years younger than Rampling – adds to the film’s pathos. Though adults, these characters will always be their mother’s children, and never stop desperately vying for her approval. However the film’s tone is inconsistent, veering between melodrama and knockabout humour. Worth seeing for the incredible acting but not much else.