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Reviews
Ethan Frome (1992)
Faithful retelling
The photography is one of the best aspects of the film. The depressing snow and freezing temperature really come across well. The acting is good. In particular, Joan Allen shines as the sickly wife and Liam Neeson is very sympathetic as Ethan. The essential weaknesses of plot derive more from the novella than the director; the theme is not that relevant for modern audiences and some of the criticism levelled against it is undeserved. The plot is faithful to the original although one character is changed from an engineer to a clergyman. The poverty of the town is very well illustrated and gives an alternative view to some Victorian set films.
American Playhouse: All My Sons (1987)
Well made filmed play
This is a very well made version of one of Miller's earliest plays and uses a very limited set. The acting is exceptional, particularly Aidan Quinn and Joan Allen as the young couple and James Whitmore as the complex father. The exchanges between father and son are very well acted and believable. The cast, even the fairly minor characters, perform well. If anyone is put off the work of Miller by the Crucible or Death of a Salesman they should view this. There is humour in between the drama, particularly from the doctor's wife and scenes of real emotion, particularly the exchanges between George and Chris and later between Chris and his father. Well worth watching.