A Handful of Dust (film)

A Handful of Dust is a 1988 British drama film directed by Charles Sturridge, based on the 1934 novel of the same name by Evelyn Waugh. The film stars James Wilby, Kristin Scott Thomas, Rupert Everett, and Alec Guinness.

The film is a faithful adaptation of Waugh's satirical and tragic novel. It follows the aristocratic Tony Last (Wilby) as his marriage to Brenda (Scott Thomas) crumbles. Brenda begins an affair with John Beaver (Everett) and neglects her home and family, leading to a series of devastating events.

The narrative explores themes of adultery, loss, the decline of the British aristocracy, and the contrast between traditional values and modern society. The film portrays the disintegration of Tony Last's world as he is left heartbroken and ultimately lost in the Brazilian jungle, where he is forced to read Dickens aloud to a reclusive madman, Mr. Todd (Guinness).

The film received generally positive reviews for its performances, particularly Scott Thomas and Guinness, its accurate depiction of the novel's atmosphere, and its exploration of Waugh's themes. However, some critics found the film overly faithful to the source material, resulting in a somewhat slow pace. The film's screenplay was written by Tim Pwell and Derek Granger.