Paul McGann, born in 1959 in Liverpool, is an English actor known for his diverse roles across film and television. In The Rainbow (1989), he embodies the character of Gerald, navigating the complexities of desire and societal expectations in a visually rich adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's novel. His performance captures the tension of the era, contributing to the film's exploration of personal freedom and repression. McGann's work in this cult classic showcases his ability to convey deep emotional resonance within the framework of British cinema.
The Rainbow
Ken Russell's rather loose adaptation of the last part of D.H. Lawrence's "The Rainbow" sees impulsive young Ursula coming of age in pastoral England around the time of the Boer War. At school, she is introduced to lovemaking by a bisexual physical education instructress. While experiencing disillusionment in her first career attempt (teaching), she has an affair with a young Army officer, who wants to marry her. Unable to accept a future of domesticity, she breaks with him, and eventually leaves home in search of her destiny.
