I just watched "The Browning version", a later film that united Mathew Modine and Albert Finney, purely on the basis that I was so compelled by their performances together in 'The Orphans'. A film that I saw some time ago, but has stayed with me since.
"The Orphans" is based on two young men, existing on the fringe of society. No doubt due to their background and the neglect of their upbringing, that they subsequently suffer various emotional and mental illness. Enter Albert Finney. A gangster whom they kidnap purely to rob. Yet despite their aggressive intentions and perhaps also because of it, he identifies with the boys and sympathises from his own orphan upbringing. Albert Finney's character intrinsically sets about to break down their defences. Battling the conflicts in a very touching transition from mugging victim to a foster father role. A situation that conflicts the boys security against the emotional needs that they require to challenge their fears and build any kind of self pride to live in society, and not on the fringe of it.
Like the previous comments have said, the film is very much like an on screenplay. I imagine that it was written as a play but don't let that put you off. I was completely compelled throughout this film and do not recall being bored from a lack of visual stimuli. Despite my usually short attention span, it was simply not the case. An unknown gem of a film that is truly a treasure when found.
