There was the potential here for a triumphant, epic, sweeping tribute to Allende's classic magic realist dynastic drama. As I sat watching it, I most found myself wondering just what the heck happened. It's a misfire so total that aside from the lush production values, it could almost bring Ed Wood to mind.
I don't think I've ever seen this much high-powered acting talent go to waste as conspicuously as in this movie. Close, Streep, Irons, Banderas, Ryder, Alonso, Muller-Stahl... the cast is a who's who of performers who should never, ever look this stilted or be asked to recite dialogue this lifeless. For the love of God, even Gallo is better than this material. Just tragic.
It does look nice, I'll give it that much.
I don't think I've ever seen this much high-powered acting talent go to waste as conspicuously as in this movie. Close, Streep, Irons, Banderas, Ryder, Alonso, Muller-Stahl... the cast is a who's who of performers who should never, ever look this stilted or be asked to recite dialogue this lifeless. For the love of God, even Gallo is better than this material. Just tragic.
It does look nice, I'll give it that much.