Iris, based on the life of revered British writer and philosopher Iris Murdoch, is a story of unlikely yet enduring love. As a young academic, teaching philosophy at Oxford, Murdoch meets and eventually falls in love with fellow professor John Bayley, a man whose awkwardness seems in stark opposition to the spirited self-confidence of his future wife. The story unfolds as snippets of time, seen through Bayley's eyes. He recalls their first encounter over 40 years ago, activities they enjoyed doing together, and Iris' charismatic and individualistic personality. These images portray Murdoch as a vibrant young woman with great intellect and are contrasted with the novelist's later life, after the effects of Alzheimer's disease have ravaged her. Murdoch's great mind deteriorates until she is reduced to a mere vestige of her former self, unable to perform simple tasks and completely reliant on her at times frustrated yet devoted husband.

Director: Richard Eyre
Writers: John Bayley (books), Richard Eyre & Charles Wood (screenplay)

Cast:
Kate Winslet ... Young Iris Murdoch
Judi Dench ... Iris Murdoch
Jim Broadbent ... John Bayley
Hugh Bonneville ... Young John Bayley
Penelope Wilton ... Janet Stone
Juliet Aubrey ... Young Janet Stone
Kris Marshall ... Dr. Gudgeon
Tom Mannion ... Neurologist
Sam West¹ ... Young Maurice
Saira Todd ... Phillida Stone
Juliet Howland ... Emma Stone
Charlotte Arkwright ... Young Phillida Stone
Harriet Arkwright ... Young Emma Stone
Matilda Allsopp ... Little Stone
Timothy West ... Older Maurice

Released on: December 14, 2001

Posters, Promotional Stills, On the Set, Screen Captures and DVD Featurette captures

Only the second film (after Titanic) to have two actors nominated for an Academy Award for playing the same role. For both films, Kate Winslet played the younger version in the dual-nominee role.

"Iris woke me up. I think I had been dormant in myself for some time. Mia was just six months old, I could afford four weeks on Iris and it was a gift, really."

"She [Iris Murdoch] was someone completely unlike me and unlike my life. I don't mean I used it as a place to hide. I know some actors do—they put their personal pain into their work. I try not to do that."

"I liked the fact that she didn't judge others. And she didn't judge herself. At least not beyond the limits of what she knew she was capable of."

"...The script by Sir Richard and Charles Wood is attentive and fine in observing the behavior of this long-married pair... Ms. Dench and Mr. Broadbent have a jabbing, likable rhythm..." — New York Times - Elvis Mitchell

"...Dench so naturally captures the disoriented innocence of those with Alzheimer's that it's almost eerie to watch her transformation... The love story of the year..." — USA Today - Claudia Puig

"...Dench is superb... The production values are evocative..." — Variety - Derek Elley

"...The film does feature a lovely, subdued score by James Horner..." — Box Office - Wade Major

"...As played by Kate Winslet, Iris is a beguiling free spirit, with an abhorrence of cliché that is wonderfully raw..." — Sight and Sound - Charlotte O'Sullivan