Helena Bonham Carter and Dominic West deliver standout performances as cinema legends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the 2013 biographical drama Burton and Taylor. This BBC Four production captures the stars rehearsing Noël Coward’s Private Lives in 1982 New York City.

Plot Overview

The story unfolds as the former spouses, divorced twice but still close friends, navigate their reunion on stage. Elizabeth harbors lingering romantic feelings, while Richard builds a life with his younger partner, Sally Hay. Struggles with alcoholism and prescription drug misuse test their bond, yet Richard steps up to support her faltering confidence during performances. Tensions rise from her challenging behavior, leading to a brief reconciliation before a major life decision by Richard reignites conflict.

Real-Life Inspirations and Cast Preparation

Drawing from the real Taylor and Burton’s turbulent history, the film highlights their mutual dependencies and substance challenges. Bonham Carter and West prepared meticulously by consulting the icons’ relatives, studying biographies, and analyzing numerous interviews.

Critical Acclaim and Viewer Response

The drama premiered to 1.13 million viewers and holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans praise the nuanced portrayals. One viewer noted: “Bonham Carter has a firm hand on a fundamental conflict within Taylor, which is that she seems like such an impossibly elegant, self-possessed woman at some moments and like such an infuriating flake at others.”

Another highlighted the chemistry: “Bonham Carter offers up a sympathetic Liz who is in the process of squandering her talent; West makes Burton’s brokenness seem like a noble resignation. And both seem surprised that each other’s company is no longer the cure for what ails them.”

A third enthused: “A simple but captivating narrative of two stars with history nearing the twilight of their careers. Bonham Carter steals the limelight, and West is equally impressive… The emotions and the relationship, however, were both spot-on and elevated the story from mundane or uninspiring to an immensely gratifying TV film.”

Burton & Taylor streams now on BBC iPlayer.