gardenwriter Reviews

Wit (2001 TV Movie)

Riveting - and wringing

[10/10 · 10 November 2005]

I echo what another commentator said - this was a tough film to watch. Even the sight of the lovely Emma Thompson with her head completely denuded of hair thanks to her accelerated cancer treatments is painful - and yet, somehow, one cannot look away.

Thankfully, the script injected enough wry humor to make it bearable. Emma Thompson seemed to live very much in her own mind as she slowly fought her battle against cancer - except for those times when she chose to speak directly to the audience. During those times her basic dry wit and fighting spirit shone through.

Despite (or perhaps because of) the presence of a former student as one of the medical team, and a sympathetic nurse, Thompson's character seems essentially alone - something that, because of her extreme devotion to her career and its subject matter - was not a new condition. Even as a student she spent more time buried in books than in making friends; her standards with students were rigid and did not make her a popular teacher - albeit a respected one. And so she enters the hospital for this final duel alone. Only one person cares enough to remember her and visit - her old mentor (played beautifully by Eileen Atkins) - the one person who tried to do what academic advisers rarely do, which is to get away from those books and try bit of real life. The scene between Thompson and Atkins is so stirring that I found myself crying again the following day as I tried to describe it to my husband.

As painful as this film was to watch, it was also worthwhile - so much so that I immediately purchased the DVD. Courage, loneliness, grace under extreme pressure, the kindness of strangers and the message that we need to live while we can - plus some magnificent acting - all make this a worthwhile film to see.

The Lady's Not for Burning (1974 TV Movie)

Left me breathless

[10/10 · 10 November 2005]

I'm not kidding. My sister had to remind me to breathe as we sat and watched this excellent drama together. As a college theater major I had worked on this production and so was totally familiar with the plot and characters - but not done this way. The production was stunning; the acting superb - the entire thing was completely riveting. I only wish it was available on DVD as I could probably watch it again and again.

Richard Chamberlain was the perfect Thomas and one could easily see how he could entrance the Allaged witch, Jennet. I also enjoyed Kristoffer Tabori as the clerk, Richard.

It has been nearly 20 years since I saw this show but it still stands out in my mind as one of my all time favorite viewing experiences. Christopher Fry, the playwright, uses language that may sound a bit archaic to the modern ear, but it soon becomes quite normal as we settle in to be absorbed by an entrancing tale.

The Bourne Identity (2002)

A disappointment

[11 November 2004]

**PROBABLE SPOILER

My husband read the book. I did not. But I recall him saying that the book was incredibly convoluted - and this movie probably would have benefited from some more of that. Or perhaps it was too convoluted for me and I missed something, because I felt that the ending was a cheat. We spent the whole movie worrying about one thing (and it is quite true that a lot of people seemed interested in killing Jason Bourne) - only to find that all of this was really about something else.

I like Matt Damon as an actor but have trouble buying into him in a role like this. My fault - he looks to be about 18 and just seems too young to be so accomplished. Still, he did a good job with this. I saw his compassion as well as his confusion and determination. And I thought the chase scene was excellent.

Loved the shots of Paris - so often either my husband or I would exclaim "We've been there!" It's about as good a film as I've seen for showing off the city.

But over all, when it was over, I felt disappointed.

Se7en (1995)

Superbly done

[10/10 · 11 November 2004]

I love psychological thrillers and this is one of the best I've seen. Morgan Freeman was elegant and convincing as a burnt out cop who wanted to retire but found the fascination of the job tough to let go of. Brad Pitt made the transition from cocky new guy to serious cop vry convincingly. And what can I say about Kevin Spacey who is always excellent. (Except to wonder why his name doesn't appear in the opening credits - I looked three times.) And Gwyneth Paltrow as Pitt's wife was as fresh and charming as ever. I truly enjoyed the performances of all the main cast members.

The best part of this film is that even when the killer is caught the suspense isn't over. In fact - it may be just beginning.

Identity (2003)

Edge of the seat thriller

[9/10 · 11 November 2004]

I've never before seen a film that made me sit on the edge of my seat practically from the opening credits. And I never got to sit back.

This was a psychological thriller of the best type. There is plenty of opportunity for you to nominate the "bad guy" and while you may be right in a sense you will probably also be wrong. The ending is a real shocker - and I suspect that the typical reaction of many viewers is to say "No way" - but if you think about it, it is the only possible ending. But you have to think about it - and the film is so action-filled that you never have time. SO the realization must come after the closing credits roll.

I'd never seen John Cusack in anything but a comedy before (except for a film called "Max", but I saw that before I knew who Cusack was). He pulled off drama equally as well as he does comedy. An impressive talent.

And an impressive film.

Pleasantville (1998)

Pleasant surprise

[8/10 · 11 November 2004]

When this film begins it looks like it may be a silly film directed mainly at teens. But the action soon takes us to a very different place - something that is dark and almost frightening. This film is a wonderful allegory of how covering up what is real and genuine in us can lead to corruption and pain - and also of how we can be redeemed.

I had a hard time convincing my husband to watch this - and then to get him to sit through the first twenty minutes or so - but then he caught on and was as riveted as I was to the changes that occurred in Pleasantville when people actually gave into their real emotions and actually did something genuine.