Loving Walter

Ian McKellen throws any trace of vanity to the wind in a courageous performance as Walter, a mentally challenged man unloved by his parents (“one of God's mistakes,” his mom calls him) who ends up in a degrading psychiatric hospital after their deaths. Determined to make a life for himself in the outside world, Walter eventually strikes out on his own--even forging a shaky romantic relationship with a troubled woman, June (Sarah Miles), who he met in the institution. Based on David Cook's award-winning novel and anchored by the performances of two consummate lead actors, Stephen Frears' 1982 made-for-British-TV movie has its share of affecting moments. But much of the running time is a rather depressing slog through the indignities heaped on Walter by an uncaring or hostile society. Making viewing even more challenging is a mediocre transfer, with a poor contrast ratio and tint that's a bit off, but the disc does include brief but interesting interviews with Frears, Cook, and McKellen. A strong optional purchase. (T. Rich)