Bernard and Doris (2008) - Trailer - © HBO Films

Film: Bernard and Doris.


Starring: Susan Sarandon as Doris Duke and Ralph Fiennes as Bernard Lafferty.


Directed by: Bob Balaban.


Story & Screenplay written by: Hugh Costello.


Distributed by: © HBO Films.


Theatrical Release Date: February 9, 2008 (USA)


Niceties by: http://www.youtube.com/IAmOnlyLove



Synopsis!
"Bernard and Doris" is a 2007 American television movie directed by Bob Balaban. The teleplay by Hugh Costello is a semi-fictionalized account of the relationship that developed between socialite heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke and her self-destructive Irish employee Bernard Lafferty later in her life.

The film premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 17, 2007 and was broadcast by HBO on February 9, 2008. It has been released on DVD.

Plot!
In 1987, Doris Duke, considered the wealthiest woman in the world, hires Bernard Lafferty, who lists Elizabeth Taylor and Peggy Lee as former employers on his résumé, as her majordomo. He explains a six-month gap in his employment history was due to "health issues," a euphemism for time spent in rehab to deal with his addiction to alcohol. He assures Duke, who immediately suspects the truth, he is capable of performing his duties without any problems.

What starts strictly as an employer/employee situation slowly evolves into a more emotionally intimate but non-physical relationship as Lafferty begins to travel the world with Duke and cater to her every need. She suggests he shed his rigid demeanor and formal wardrobe and begin to dress more comfortably. Acknowledging his sexual preference for men, she encourages him to pierce his ear, grow his hair, and wear vivid colors.

Duke teaches Lafferty about horticulture, especially the care of orchids, and he takes control of the operation of her various households during her frequent long absences. As the two become closer and Lafferty becomes more relaxed, he begins to drink again, initially with discretion but eventually to an extent it begins to hinder his performance. Rather than dismiss him, as she always has dealt with employees who displeased her in the past, Duke has him committed for more rehab at her expense when he collapses in her bedroom.

Duke suffers a stroke and Lafferty returns to take full control of her life. In order to humor her, he wears her makeup, jewelry, and haute couture and begins to affect a more feminine demeanor. He tries to keep attorney and economic advisor Waldo Taft, who dislikes and distrusts Lafferty enough to have offered him $500,000 to leave his position in the past, away from the ailing woman. But there is no doubt he has no ulterior motives. Once asked by Duke what he expected from her, Lafferty had responded he wanted only to take care of her, an admission that had marked an important turning point in their relationship. Duke's faith and trust in him cannot be shaken, and before her death she appoints him executor of her massive estate. In his first meeting with her board of directors following her cremation, a now obviously effete Lafferty appears confident and in control. Three years later, we are told, he died from complications related to his alcoholism.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Bernard-And-Doris
• 2007
• 2008
• HBO-Films
• Television
• Trailer
• Susan
• Sarandon
• Ralph
• Fiennes
• Bob
• Balaban
• Hugh
• Costello
• Love
• Sex
• Romance
• Butler
• Relationship
• Fortune
• Heiress
• Duke-University
• New-Jersey
• Orchid
• Liquor
• Drunk-Driving
• Wealth
• Bequest
• Limousine-Driver
• Booze
• Male-Nudity
• Alcoholism
• Older-Woman-Younger-Man
• Hothouse
• Male-Rear-Nudity
• Vodka
• Pills
• Maid
• Servant
• Rich-Poor
• Piano-Player
• Wealthy
• Booze-Drinking
• Morphine
• Rear-Nudity
• Liquor-Bottle
• Payoff
• Red-Dress
• Based-On-True-Story

[ADyingFaith]

I love the 'I feel like Lawrence of Arabia' line. Thats so funny.

[machie13]

Oh my god I want to see Ralph Fiennes play a gay character I wish I could watch this =(

[THESuthernScott]

the full movie is on Stagevu, just search the name and can watch it...I'm watching it now :) looks great! Love anything Susan Sarandon is in!

[PaiintDriP]

It's a good movie ! Both actors are great, the end is a bit sad of course ..

[AbigailReggieLove]

Interesting movie with great soundtrack (not the trailer soundtrack, movie soundtrack is so much better)

Susan Sarandon is great.

[Dalayba]

Ralph fiennes uno de mis actores favoritos me encato en la lista de shirlend.y susan que gran actrid.no he visto esta peli ,pero estos dos actores promenten