Gosford
Park (2002)
Director:
Robert
Altman
Cast: Michael
Gambon, Kristin Scott Thomas,
Camilla Rutherford, Maggie Smith, Charles Dance, Geraldine Sommerville,
Tom Hollander, Alan Bates, Helen Mirren, Jeremy Northam, Ryan
Phillippe,
Emily Watson, Richard E Grant.
Length: 136
minutes
Release: 1st
February 2002 |
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| Gosford
Park: UK murder mystery by Robert Altman |
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The
great thing about Robert Altman is you never know what he'll do next.
He may have the occasional off day (most recently with "Dr T and the
Women"), but even his failures are more creditable than the vast majority
of mainstream product. |
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So
it's a delight to find him back to his best with this star-studded
period melodrama set in the decadent opulence of a 30s English country
house.
Any
fears that the veteran director of "M*A*S*H" and "The
Player" would be out of his depth in territory more suited
to Merchant Ivory are swiftly dispelled by the grace with which
he insinuates his distinctive style of film-making into this new
milieu. A splendid collection of British acting talent rise to the
challenge superbly, while Julian Fellowes' witty script ensures
every player has his or her moment to shine.
Unfolding
both above and below the stairs during a weekend shooting party
arranged by Sir William McCordle (Gambon) and his bored trophy wife
(Scott Thomas), the multi-layered plot deftly weaves together a
myriad of storylines. These range from the farcical (a Hollywood
hunk masquerading as a footman) to the adulterous (Sir William's
affair with Emily Watson's frisky maid) to the plain deadly (a midnight
murder for which every character has a motive).
In
a fabulous cast, Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren excel as a cash-strapped
grande dame and an embittered housekeeper respectively, while Jeremy
Northam is suavity personified as visiting celebrity Ivor Novello.
Five stars don't do it justice.
"Gosford
Park" opens in the UK on Friday 1st February 2002.
Reviewed
by, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Films
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