Last Monday's screening of 'Effie' (directed by Richard Laxton) well surpassed the plethora of 'bio-pics' which have invaded our cinemas lately (writes J.H.).

Based on the much-publicised scandal of John Ruskin's divorce, this film removes itself so far from costume drama that, if Queen Victoria herself had appeared with an Equity Card, she would probably have been sent packing by the stylists... or by Emma Thompson, who wrote the screenplay.

Lit in sombre shades throughout, the action moves between London, Scotland and Venice, where the weather in all three directly correlates to the mood of the marriage - gloomy, turning to hard frost. Candle-lit interiors breathe darkly of consumption, claustrophobia, and closeted cruelty.

Dakota Fanning plays the title role with a studied portrayal of an eager young wife's descent into mental and physical breakdown precipitated by living in an emotional desert. No surprise then, that she falls in love with her husband's protégé, the pre-Raphaelite painter, Everett Millais (Tom Sturridge). I did wonder if Dakota got the part because she bore such a strong resemblance to the drowned Ophelia in Everett's famous painting, or is that just my imagination?

Emma Thompson's husband, Greg Wise, puts in a masterful performance as Ruskin, while Emma plays, brilliantly, the small but highly significant role of Effie's confidante. James Fox lends a fleeting, but welcome injection of humour in his cameo role as her husband, but, in my opinion, the true stars of the piece are David Suchet and Julie Walters, as Ruskin's scarily controlling and over-protective parents. Suchet's simmering disapproval finally explodes into a magnificent outburst of anger, while Walters prunes roses with all the malice of Mme. La Guillotine. I applaud them!

Films are shown at the Fourcroft Hotel on the first and third Mondays of the month at 8 pm. A themed meal in the restaurant may also be booked prior to viewing. Bar open before and after show to meet for a chat - all welcome.

Next films: 'My Old Lady' starring Maggie Smith, Kevin Kline and Kristin Scott-Thomas, April 20; 'The Imitation Game' starring Benedict Cumberbach and Keira Knightley, May 4.

For more details, please visit films4tenby.wordpress.com