Reds (1981)
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A journalist and an activist navigate the passion of revolutionary change and the complexities of their personal lives during the early 20th century.
The story
In 1915, married journalist and suffragist Louise Bryant encounters the radical journalist John Reed at a lecture in Portland, Oregon. Intrigued by his idealism and the possibility of escape from her frustrated existence, she joins him in Greenwich Village, New York City. They become part of a community of activists and artists, including anarchist Emma Goldman and playwright Eugene O'Neill. As they move to Provincetown, Massachusetts, to focus on their writing, Reed becomes involved in labor strikes with the "Reds" of the Industrial Workers of the World. Driven by a desire to change the world, Reed's journey takes him to the heart of the 1917 Revolution in Russia.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1915, Louise Bryant meets John Reed in Portland, Oregon. She leaves her husband to join him in New York City, where they become involved with the radical art and activist scene. They later move to Provincetown, Massachusetts. While Reed is away covering the 1916 Democratic National Convention, Bryant has an affair with Eugene O'Neill. Upon his return, Reed and Bryant marry secretly in Croton-on-Hudson. Later, both travel to Europe and eventually to Russia, where they are swept up in the 1917 Revolution. After returning to the U.S., Reed writes 'Ten Days That Shook the World' while Bryant is called to testify before the Overman Committee. Reed becomes active in the Socialist Party of America's Left Wing, but after being expelled, he forms the Communist Labor Party of America. He travels to Russia to seek recognition from the Soviet Comintern. Despite Bryant's warnings, he travels to Russia, where he is eventually imprisoned in Finland and then exchanged for a prisoner in Russia. He is later joined by Bryant in Petrograd. During his return to Petrograd, he survives a train attack and is reunited with her. He is hospitalized with typhus, and they share a final moment of love before he dies.
- First release year
- 1981
- Runtime (minutes)
- 195
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Warren Beatty
- Writers
- Warren Beatty · screenplay; Trevor Griffiths · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Warren Beatty · John Reed; Diane Keaton · Louise Bryant; Jack Nicholson · Eugene O'Neill; Edward Herrmann; Jerzy Kosiński · Grigory Zinoviev; Paul Sorvino; Maureen Stapleton
- Genres
- epic; historical drama; biographical drama; political drama
- Themes
- Revolutionary change; Political idealism; Sacrifice; Artistic and political struggle
- Tone and mood
- Epic; Intimate; Poignant
- Setting
- Early 20th-century United States and Russia (1915-1920s)
- Premise and plot tags
- Biographical; Historical; Political; Journalism
- Source material / true-story basis
- Ten Days That Shook the World
- Reception
- The film was released to widespread critical acclaim and was noted for its scope and portrayal of revolutionary politics. It was also recognized as a significant work in the epic genre.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 90% · scale: Fresh · review count: 49
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Director · Won; Academy Award · Best Picture · Nominated; Academy Award · Best Actor · Nominated; Academy Award · Best Actress · Nominated; Academy Award · Best Supporting Actor · Nominated; Academy Award · Best Supporting Actress · Won
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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