Starting Over (2007) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

An aristocratic woman's life is transformed by bereavement, marital collapse, estate conflict, and a new affair.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Grief Breaks The Household

Elizabeth's aristocratic life is destabilized when her brother Simon dies accidentally. She blames Gregor, and their already rocky marriage reaches its breaking point.

Key Events

• Aristocratic Household — Elizabeth's aristocratic household forms the story's social setting. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst, Alex Dewhurst Location: Dewhurst household
• Rocky Marriage — Elizabeth and Gregor's marriage is already described as rocky. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst Location: Dewhurst household
• Simon Dies Accidentally — Elizabeth's beloved brother Simon dies in an accident. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Lord Simon McNichols, Gregor Dewhurst Location: Unspecified setting
• Elizabeth Blames Gregor — Elizabeth believes Gregor is responsible for Simon's accidental death. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst, Lord Simon McNichols Location: Unspecified setting

Separation Creates Opportunity

Elizabeth asks Gregor to leave the household. Mary, who has long been interested in Gregor, sees the separation as her opportunity and recommends Mr. Sharp's services.

Key Events

• Marriage Reaches Breaking Point — Simon's death becomes the final blow to the troubled marriage. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst Location: Dewhurst household
• Gregor Asked To Leave — Elizabeth asks Gregor to move out of the household. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst Location: Dewhurst household
• Mary Watches Gregor — Mary's longstanding interest in Gregor becomes relevant. Characters: Mary Phillips, Gregor Dewhurst Location: Unspecified setting
• Mary Sees Her Chance — Mary sees the separation as an opportunity to pursue Gregor. Characters: Mary Phillips, Gregor Dewhurst, Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst Location: Unspecified setting
• Attorney Suggested — Mary encourages the couple to use Mr. Sharp's services. Characters: Mary Phillips, Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst, Mr. David Sharp Location: Unspecified setting

The Estate Becomes Leverage

Sharp becomes involved as the family attorney during the division of the Dewhurst estate. His shady motives are exposed when he expects to benefit financially from the process.

Key Events

• Sharp Enters The Dispute — The powerful but shady family attorney becomes involved. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst, Mr. David Sharp Location: Unspecified setting
• Estate Division Begins — Sharp's legal involvement centers on dividing the Dewhurst estate. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst, Mr. David Sharp Location: Dewhurst estate
• Sharp Seeks Profit — Sharp expects to benefit financially from the estate division. Characters: Mr. David Sharp, Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst Location: Dewhurst estate
• Peter Visits University — Peter arrives in connection with a local University. Characters: Peter Rossen Location: Local University

A Dangerous New Attraction

Peter arrives from a local University and is identified as Alex's professor. Elizabeth is drawn to him despite that connection, leading to a mild affair while her marriage remains unresolved.

Key Events

• Peter Teaches Alex — Peter is identified as Alex's professor. Characters: Peter Rossen, Alex Dewhurst, Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst Location: Local University
• Elizabeth Meets Peter — Elizabeth becomes drawn to Peter after his arrival. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Peter Rossen Location: Local University
• A Complicated Attraction — Elizabeth's attraction is complicated by Peter teaching her son. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Peter Rossen, Alex Dewhurst Location: Unspecified setting
• The Mild Affair — Elizabeth enters a mild affair with Peter. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Peter Rossen Location: Unspecified setting
• Marriage And Affair Collide — Elizabeth's affair unfolds against the breakdown of her marriage. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst, Peter Rossen Location: Unspecified setting
• Competing Personal Interests — Marriage, romantic interest, and estate interests remain entangled. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst, Mary Phillips, Peter Rossen, Mr. David Sharp Location: Dewhurst estate
• Life Starts Over — Elizabeth's life is reshaped by bereavement, separation, and new entanglements. Characters: Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst, Gregor Dewhurst, Peter Rossen, Mary Phillips, Mr. David Sharp Location: Dewhurst estate

Story Breakdown

• Aristocratic Household — Elizabeth's family life provides the initial social setting before the central loss.
  • Elizabeth And Gregor — Elizabeth and Gregor are married, but their relationship is already rocky.
  • Alex's Family Role — Alex is identified as Elizabeth's son, linking the family to Peter's academic role.
• Simon’s Accidental Death — The death of Elizabeth's beloved brother becomes the emotional catalyst for the story.
  • Brother's Death — Simon dies accidentally.
  • Elizabeth's Accusation — Elizabeth believes Gregor is at fault for Simon's death.
• Marriage Falls Apart — Grief and blame turn the troubled marriage into an active separation.
  • Final Marital Blow — Simon’s death is described as the last straw for the marriage.
  • Gregor Leaves — Elizabeth asks Gregor to move out of the household.
• Mary Pursues Gregor — Mary's attraction to Gregor gains importance after Elizabeth separates from him.
  • Longstanding Interest — Mary has had her eye on Gregor for some time.
  • A Perceived Chance — Mary sees the separation as an opportunity to pursue Gregor.
• Estate Legal Conflict — The separation brings the Dewhurst estate into a legal process shaped by Sharp's interests.
  • Sharp's Involvement — Mary encourages Elizabeth and Gregor to use the family attorney's services.
  • Financial Motive — Sharp expects to benefit financially from the estate division.
• Elizabeth And Peter — Peter's university connection introduces a new romantic possibility for Elizabeth.
  • Professor Connection — Peter is the professor of Elizabeth's son Alex.
  • Mild Affair — Elizabeth is drawn to Peter and begins a mild affair with him.

Directed by

Giles Foster

Key Cast

• Suzanne von Borsody — Lady Elizabeth 'Liz' Dewhurst
• Iain Glen — Gregor Dewhurst
• Rutger Hauer — Peter Rossen
• Daniel Sharman — Alex Dewhurst
• William Mickleburgh — Lord Simon McNichols