A good example of Pinter's dramatic style in Losey's The Servant

 The Joseph Losey film The Servant (1963), with screenplay by Harold Pinter (based on a 1948 novel by Robin Maugham - about whom I know nothing) bears all the markings of Pinter's style as a playwright (I assume this was first a stage play?) - dialogue that's enigmatic, concise, spoken obliquely so that we have a sense that none of the characters - usually only two on stage/screen at any time - even understands what's being said. One (of the many) strange scenes takes place at a restaurant where two of the (4) main characters are having dinner - but we here more from the adjacent tables than from the principals (all of the "overheard" conversations are bleak, including a pair of Anglican priests sniping at each other and an unhappy couple, with Pinter taking a cameo role here). The essential plot: A young man, Tony (James Fox) allegedly back in England after a (allegedly) sojourn in either Africa, Brazil, or India (completely fabricated) hires a "manservant," Barrett (Dick Bogarde). The 2 have a strained and bitter relationship, with Barrett at first entirely buttoned down and subservient, but gradually we see Barrett plotting to take control of his life and of the household, bringing in his girlfriend (whom he says is his sister) to seduce Tony, break apart his engagement - which leads to Tony's firing of Barrett and to further complications. the level of tension and of mystery is high throughout with some really imaginative camera work (many mirror shots and staircase shots). One would assume that Pinter cut the novel to shreds in his adaptation for stage/screen; the film, despite its strengths, could have used some trimming during the final segments, as Barrett and Tony become buddies and accomplices (a strange implied sexuality to their time as roommates) in which the scenes become more crowded and dissolute and, at the end, as the two men become bitter rivals once again but with the tables turned so to speak; we get it - and could have gotten it 15 minutes sooner.