Ally Russell Shields introduces a double feature of late-era Elizabeth Taylor films directed by Joseph Losey.

These more experimental works feel like a departure from Elizabeth Taylor’s Golden Age output, but their examinations of feminine identity, sexual liberation, mental illness and the fragility of existence are in many ways a continuation of her earlier works. The key difference between her earlier and later filmography is how much freedom she was afforded to push the boundaries. Because Taylor’s star power has always stemmed from her unapologetic, gleeful daring to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, from its splendour to its suffering. It only seems right, then, that her oeuvre should span critical and commercial successes, underrated artistic triumphs, and irredeemable stinkers. It all adds up to a truly incomparable life and career.

**SECRET CEREMONY
**(1968, United Kingdom, Joseph Losey)

In postwar London, a fragile, emotionally scarred woman, Leonora, becomes entwined with Cenci, a rebellious and unpredictable young woman who seeks comfort and guidance after a personal tragedy. Their complex relationship blurs the boundaries between maternal care, manipulation, and desire, as each struggles with grief, loneliness, and the need for connection. Psychological tension escalates as their interactions grow increasingly intense and unstable.

Secret Ceremony blends psychological drama with elements of gothic suspense, exploring themes of identity, dependency, and the fragility of human relationships. With restrained performances and a meticulously composed visual style, the film examines the dangerous interplay between vulnerability and control, creating a haunting and emotionally charged narrative.

**BOOM!
**(1968, United Kingdom, Joseph Losey)

Set on a secluded Mediterranean island, the film follows Flora, a wealthy and eccentric widow, whose isolated world is disrupted by the arrival of a charming young con artist posing as a nobleman. Their interactions unfold as a surreal and often absurd exploration of desire, manipulation, and mortality, with Flora oscillating between vulnerability, obsession, and defiance.

Boom! blends dark comedy, surrealism, and psychological drama, emphasizing stylistic visuals and heightened performances. The film examines themes of power, seduction, and the human fascination with death, creating an offbeat, theatrical atmosphere that reflects both the absurdity and melancholy of its characters’ lives.

Art by Marianna Madriz