The film has the sense and sensibility of a Jane Austen novel, but this story was based on a work by E.M. Forster. With Merchant Ivory Productions, one expects a near flawless representation of Edwardian England and the picture delivers on that score. The period detail and costuming is exquisite and pleasing to the eye, though many of the characters have a tendency to chafe, being strictly upper crust and all. None more so than the boorish Cecil Vyse, who one would be tempted to do a double take upon realizing it was Daniel Day-Lewis in the role. A perfect characterization of British snobbery, Cecil lacks even the most basic elements of human compassion. When he gets the big brush off from his fiance Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter), the best he can muster is a hand shake to say good-bye.
This may be the only time I've seen Helena Bonham Carter in what might be considered a 'normal' type role, what with such eclectic performances as the Red Queen in "Alice in Wonderland" and Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter movies. For me, this was different, and showed a different side of her ability, even if she seemed a bit 'plain'. I may not have made that come out right but you know what I mean. The other performers in this Edwardian tale are all up to the task, though that waterhole scene of the three men chasing after each other in the resplendent buff might give one the wrong impression. Fortunately the good natured Miss Honeychurch managed to laugh it off without embarrassment.
The picture may move a little slow for some folks, but for the tea and sympathy crowd, there's much to enjoy here. It's done at a relaxed pace and allows one to indulge in the sophistication of an era in transition.
This may be the only time I've seen Helena Bonham Carter in what might be considered a 'normal' type role, what with such eclectic performances as the Red Queen in "Alice in Wonderland" and Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter movies. For me, this was different, and showed a different side of her ability, even if she seemed a bit 'plain'. I may not have made that come out right but you know what I mean. The other performers in this Edwardian tale are all up to the task, though that waterhole scene of the three men chasing after each other in the resplendent buff might give one the wrong impression. Fortunately the good natured Miss Honeychurch managed to laugh it off without embarrassment.
The picture may move a little slow for some folks, but for the tea and sympathy crowd, there's much to enjoy here. It's done at a relaxed pace and allows one to indulge in the sophistication of an era in transition.