One reviewer described this movie as graceful. It is graceful. This interpretation by Darlene Young of Mr. Cook's novel provides a core that director Andrew Mondsheim turns into an elegantly elegiac narrative. Editing by Bernadette Kelly of Philip Linzey's imaginative cinematography recalls her work on "Dead Ringers" and "Naked Lunch". Ed Hana's production design is subtle and finely nuanced. I particularly like the iconography in the courtroom scenes. The set design there and elsewhere by Megan Less is like her work in other good movies including "The Virgin Suicides". I like the scenes in the dinner. I love the edit to someone cutting hair in a barbershop after a reference that someone the protagonist wants to interview cuts hair. I thought that a lovely and small touch. It made me think of Goddard.
Casting impresses me. Mr. Strahairn and Ms. McDonnell perform well together. I like baker-9's thoughtful review of this movie and his observations about the acting. I am a fan of Ms. McDonnell, however. I think she is compelling in her portrayal here. Mr. Strahairn does quietly give a sense of depth to his characters. All the actors convinced me as part of the narrative.
The overall film design, with some use of filters in retrospective scenes works—without being distractingly stylized.I agree with reviewer skeckie that this is an almost flawless film narrative. The score stresses the narrative perfectly even though I am one who likes scores that—well work in a different way. In a way, the film recalls in its own way themes from films by Alain Resnais. I understand why someone might find this movie derivative, slow, and repetitive, I do not respond to it that way. I very much enjoyed this lovely little movie. I find it tender and thoughtful.
This is at least as good as many BBC mystery films. Savour it.
Casting impresses me. Mr. Strahairn and Ms. McDonnell perform well together. I like baker-9's thoughtful review of this movie and his observations about the acting. I am a fan of Ms. McDonnell, however. I think she is compelling in her portrayal here. Mr. Strahairn does quietly give a sense of depth to his characters. All the actors convinced me as part of the narrative.
The overall film design, with some use of filters in retrospective scenes works—without being distractingly stylized.I agree with reviewer skeckie that this is an almost flawless film narrative. The score stresses the narrative perfectly even though I am one who likes scores that—well work in a different way. In a way, the film recalls in its own way themes from films by Alain Resnais. I understand why someone might find this movie derivative, slow, and repetitive, I do not respond to it that way. I very much enjoyed this lovely little movie. I find it tender and thoughtful.
This is at least as good as many BBC mystery films. Savour it.