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Calyn
Reviews
Voices (1995)
Very interesting and worth watching
We really enjoyed this film about the composer Peter Warlock. The overall atmosphere of the film was well established and the 1930's feeling of smoggy London was not too over the top. Best of all was the acting by both the main players in this film. The transformations between the characters was well done and not knowing the real story of Warlock, he must have been really freaky. We would recommend this film.
Gods and Monsters (1998)
Brilliant!
I remember seeing Sir Ian McKellen at Stratford in England playing Romeo about 24 years ago. He was pretty dynamic then. As I watched Gods and Monsters, McKellen just bowled me over yet again. He certainly is a quite a classy actor and his 'out' status does nothing to harm his career which seems to go from strength to strength.
The role of James Whale could be tailor made for him, and he seems to relish every moment. He draws the audience into understand the pain of Whale as he looks back on his life. A life that started with such humble beginnings, but went on to acquire a very privileged position in a world of sexual fantasy.
However, the film meanders its way through his life and ends up observing his pitiful state, and to his surprise the arrival of a gorgeous hunk (Brendan Fraser). Fraser fits the role like a glove, the director skillfully handles the power of Fraser's physique and his sexual allure. He allows us to believe that he is this grass cutting country bumpkin, who is at first nervous of Whale. However, Boone (Fraser) warms to Whale and wants to hear all his stories. Whilst this is taking place, Whale pretends to draw Boone and the sexual chemistry is brilliant.
The ultimate moment between the both characters is cleverly handled, where Boone tastefully bears all. However, it is all a ploy to get the hunk (Boone) to kill the monster (Whale). This is such a brilliant scene.
Supporting all the above is Lynn Redgrave, who plays the housekeeper to Whale. She is superb in the role and makes the trio complete. Her casual remarks to Boone about Whale do not drive him away, but draw him further into the picture.
Gods and Monsters deserves it's high ranking and a film that I would definitely recommend and watch time and again.
Un tè con Mussolini (1999)
A real treat!
Tea with Mussolini was a real breath of fresh air. The film looked gorgeous, was performed with style, leaving you wanting more.
The dream cast acted their way through the film without the need for special effects, loud music or other padding that seem to accompany most films these days.
Each character was wonderfully developed and as the film progressed; feeding off each other to portray this wonderful story. At the end you felt cheated because you wanted more.
Some wonderful moments such as the friendship that developed between the characters of Cher and Plowright. Of course Dench was superb, but Smith as usual stole every scene.
In retrospect one feels like we have seen the trailer and would love to see the film which could have been 6 hours long for me. Some wonderful scenes of Florence and the costumes and look of the film was gorgeous.