Change Your Image
dwblurb
Reviews
The Secret Life of Ian Fleming (1990)
More entertaining than a Bond film.
I found The Secret Life of Ian Fleming more entertaining than any James Bond film that I have ever seen, though I will readily admit that I am not a fan of the series or the genre. The obviously low-budget nature of the film contributed towards an emphasis on story (though obviously a somewhat exaggerated one), rather than on gimmickry and gadgetry. You felt that even though the story undoubtedly didn't happen as it appeared on screen, that it COULD have happened like that - the bounds of credibility weren't stretched too far. Jason Connery showed that although he doubtless got the part because of his name, he was quite capable of playing it well. Kristin Scott Thomas, in an early role, is as usual outstanding (not to mention breathtakingly lovely) - there is ample evidence of the skill that has made her the pre-eminent actress of her generation. Throw in a good supporting cast with the likes of Patricia Hodge, Joss Ackland (one again doing malevolence to a tee), David Warner and Colin Welland, and you have an entertaining hour and a half to pass the time with.
A Handful of Dust (1988)
Convincing portrait of social decline
An excellent and faithful adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel, featuring fine performances from a notable cast. Kristin Scott Thomas' reception of the news of the death of her son is widely, and justly, famed (BTW is it Kristin, not Kristen and certainly not Kirsten). Alec Guinness is suitable malevolent, and James Wilby is fine as the well-meaning but helpless Tony.
Sur mes lèvres (2001)
Superb thriller.
Surely one the French films of the decade so far, a taut, atmospheric thriller making full use of the lead characters hearing impediment to use sound in a way rarely explored in cinema. Emannuelle Devos gives a truly stunning , multi-faceted performance, at times devious and manipulative, at other times open and vulnerable. Another reason why those who appreciate quality cinema should keep their eyes open for offerings from France.
Abril Despedaçado (2001)
worth seeing
Another worthy contribution from Walter Salles. Good performances and stunning cinematography overcome the predictability of the storyline. The film is worth seeing for the chase scene alone, and the harsh Brazilian interior is lovingly photographed.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Dire
I usually avoid mainstream American so-called 'comedies', but went to see this one after hearing good word-of-mouth comments. I should have trusted my instincts. Described elsewhere as a 'quirky dark comedy', the director evidently forgot that quirky and dark do not on their own produce comedic elements. It is definitely quirky, but the 'quirkiness' feels forced, as though Anderson felt that to make up for tedious and virtually non-existent storyline he would have to inject another element into the film. It fails dismally. Even the quirkyness falls away towards the end as the inevitable American scenes of redemption are introduced. Where is the motivation for Royal to suddenly start to look out for someone apart from number one after apparently not having given a fig for the previous twenty years? The constant voice-over throughout the interminable introductory scenes is also most irritating.
One may have felt some engagement with the characters had they had any genuine problems. Instead, they come across as merely indulgent rich Americans who need a good kick up the bum to get their life into order. What terrible crises precipitate their decline? If there are any, they are certainly not explained.
One cannot fault the performances, and indeed Gene Hackman even manages to provide a spark of interest to his character. One day, however, Hollywood might discover the importance of a script rather than special effects, or in the case of The Royal Tenenbaums, merely a gimmick.
1/10
Italiensk for begyndere (2000)
a charmer
A charming treat, with excellent performances all round, especially from Peter Gantzler as the impotent Jørgen Mortensen, and all the female characters. A witty romantic comedy that today's Hollywood would be entirely incapable of making.
Angels and Insects (1995)
A treat.
A thoroughly captivating film which deals with Victorian science, morality and gender issues in a fascinating way. Kristin Scott Thomas gives an outstanding performance as the unglamorous but intelligent and passionate Matty Crompton, fully deserving her Evening Standard award. Had this been a more widely seen film, she surely would have been nominated for more 'prestigious' honours. Mark Rylance also hits the right note as the earnest naturalist, as does Douglas Henshall as the malevolent Edgar. The only jarring note comes from the horrible performance from the truly hopeless Patsy Kensit.
The English Patient (1996)
The greatest English-language film of the 90s, easily.
A truly sublime film. An epic in the best sense of the word. Taut and terrific acting. Amazing cinematography. Kristin Scott Thomas!
This is a film that can be watched repeatedly without it palling, and indeed it is rewarding to do so just to pick up on little nuances initially missed. The final cave scene still breaks my heart. A more powerful message of the futility of war than a hundred bloodfests. One of the few occasions when the American Academy got it spot-on.
It is amusing, and not a little sad, to read other reviews here and see words such as 'boring' and 'overlong' sprinkled throughout. It seems we really have produced a 'fast-food' generation without the concentration or intelligence to sit through and appreciate something with a little more substance than the latest Arnie flick. Nevertheless, they have plenty of fodder to keep them amused. Congrats to Anthony Minghella for producing a true piece of 'cinema' in the tradition of Lean.
10/10
dw.
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Well acted, understated effort
I've never met a person who doesn't like this film. Sure, it is not great art, but it is not intended to be. It is a COMEDY - not slapstick, nor satire, but a well-written, well-acted film populated by a top cast of familiar faces. Kristin Scott Thomas produces the highlight of the film with her superb portrait of the sublime Fiona, whilst Hugh Grant is once again tops as Hugh Grant, and the consistently excellent John Hannah also engages.
The only downside is the appalling Wet Wet Wet song which features.
dw.