I sometimes
forget that this film was directed by Martin
Scorsese. Starring Daniel Day Lewis, Winona
Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer with supporting
performances by Geraldine Chaplin, Jonathon
Pryce, Alexis Smith, Mary Beth Hurt, Robert Sean
Leonard and others this film is a quiet jewel of
a film that, at first, appears to be quite a
detour for Scorsese.
Of course, these themes...the themes of guilt,
passion, desire and weakness have often been
explored by Scorsese but never in such a
traditional and beautiful setting. The story
takes place in the late 1800's and features
Daniel Day-Lewis having to choose between his
current fiancee, played by Winona Ryder, and her
cousin who has just arrived from Poland,
portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer.
This film is based on Edith Wharton's novel, and
Scorsese is quite faithful to the material.
Scorsese fans expecting his traditional fare
will be disappointed. The film captured an Oscar
for costume design...and the costumes are
magnificent.
Ryder captured an Oscar nomination for her
performance, along with the film's screenplay,
original score and art direction. Though Ryder
captured the only acting nomination for the
film, Both Day-Lewis and Pfeiffer do a nice job
here.
This is a quiet film, and not always comfortable
in pacing. For Scorsese fans, this could be
quite traumatic. At 139 minutes, the film is
just a touch long for my liking. Scorsese fans,
in particular, will find this bothersome as the
film really lacks any of the director's typical
"exciting" touches...It is a gentle, beautiful
and artistic film.
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
One of the
most memorable scenes of the past twenty years is
the one where the ship sails past Michelle
Pfeiffer's motionless silhouette on the pier.
Magnificent filmmaking!
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
