With a cast like this it is amazing that one actor is particularly strong and that her unique genius stands out from the others. Arguably the greatest actor working in cinema today, Emily Watson shines as a super nova when she appears as the "older" woman the young student had once been involved with. Straight-laced and reserved, Watson sets the screen on fire with a simmering sexuality much like that she displayed so brilliantly in Gosford Park. It is subtle and smoldering but one senses it could explode like napalm at any moment, engulfing us all in the searing heat of her unbridled passion. The young man seems to be clueless and never realizes what he once had. The fool is blind and unworthy of this very special woman. However, the audience sees it clearly and it is this part of the film that rivets attention more than any other. As an actor, Watson is a undeniably an acting powerhouse and it is her presence in this small film that will capture the notice of worldwide audiences. While the motion picture is rather weak and misses the mark it could have easily hit, Emily Watson knocks it out of the park as usual and the brilliance of her performance sheds its light on the other cast members, especially Brody, an actor that hopefully has benefited from working with such an esteemed and respected genius as Ms. Emily Watson. Her work here is nothing less than staggering as the proof is made clear that she is most certainly an overwhelmingly exceptional actor, one so gifted that she defies description and no accolade is equal to her talent. It is undeniably true that this film would have passed into oblivion if not for her presence and the gravitas she brings to the project. Some Girl(s) must be seen by those who appreciate acting magnificence and realize Ms. Emily Watson is the supremely greatest actor working in any medium today. See this film to bask in the radiant light of her genius and to witness another of her tremendous screen triumphs. Such a performance, one that touches the very soul of an audience and moves it so incredibly deeply, is unforgettable in its power. To miss Watson in this film is to deny oneself the opportunity to see why all others in her profession believe she virtually defines acting at its most majestic.
5/24/14: Following a recent second viewing of this little film at a revival theater, I feel absolutely compelled to once again express my profoundest astonishment at the brilliant performance of Emily Watson and to share newly discovered insights into her art. She is simply electric in this film and her encounter in the hotel room with her former lover is one of the most sensuous scenes ever recorded on film. This is not due to any gratuitous nudity or graphic sex but the very simple removal of Watson's skirt and the way she moves in a white slip beneath. It is touchingly awkward yet so very, very seductive. She is a bit plump, a woman approaching middle age, but her sexuality is overwhelming and will leave most men aching with desire, and many women as well. Most males will feel incredulous that the young man in the film let this treasure slip through his fingers and disgust with the stupid cad will border on rage. Upon the second viewing, Watson's sensuousness becomes even more stunning. She seems to grow more uniquely beautiful as the years pass and no man that appreciates what a real woman looks like will ever forget her after seeing Watson's contribution to what would otherwise be a far less stellar motion picture. It is a wondrous performance during which Emily Watson virtually leaves the screen in flames and witnesses to the artistic inferno are unavoidably singed by her blazing gifts as an actor. A second viewing is absolutely essential to a complete appreciation of the finest actor of our time.
8/27/2014 - Rented this again tonight and found myself so deeply moved that I simply felt the overwhelming desire to share the fact that even upon multiple viewings, Emily Watson's powerful performance remains supremely majestic. One can never grow used to such greatness and again I was staggered, overwhelmed by her talent, beauty, and stunning cinema presence.
5/24/14: Following a recent second viewing of this little film at a revival theater, I feel absolutely compelled to once again express my profoundest astonishment at the brilliant performance of Emily Watson and to share newly discovered insights into her art. She is simply electric in this film and her encounter in the hotel room with her former lover is one of the most sensuous scenes ever recorded on film. This is not due to any gratuitous nudity or graphic sex but the very simple removal of Watson's skirt and the way she moves in a white slip beneath. It is touchingly awkward yet so very, very seductive. She is a bit plump, a woman approaching middle age, but her sexuality is overwhelming and will leave most men aching with desire, and many women as well. Most males will feel incredulous that the young man in the film let this treasure slip through his fingers and disgust with the stupid cad will border on rage. Upon the second viewing, Watson's sensuousness becomes even more stunning. She seems to grow more uniquely beautiful as the years pass and no man that appreciates what a real woman looks like will ever forget her after seeing Watson's contribution to what would otherwise be a far less stellar motion picture. It is a wondrous performance during which Emily Watson virtually leaves the screen in flames and witnesses to the artistic inferno are unavoidably singed by her blazing gifts as an actor. A second viewing is absolutely essential to a complete appreciation of the finest actor of our time.
8/27/2014 - Rented this again tonight and found myself so deeply moved that I simply felt the overwhelming desire to share the fact that even upon multiple viewings, Emily Watson's powerful performance remains supremely majestic. One can never grow used to such greatness and again I was staggered, overwhelmed by her talent, beauty, and stunning cinema presence.