A great film
*Note: some spoilers!
I can't believe so many don't see the excellence in this film. There have been statements like, 'It didn't realize it's full potential' or 'It was slow' or 'It's about a guy who just can't get it together'.
Not so.
It's somewhat Chekovesque. It's a slice of life, the sad and slightly tragic life of a woman who had some bad shots thrown at her. The up side is she bounces back, and you feel that she's going to make it okay, but dammit! How sad the road she's traveled. McQueen's iconic presence takes the stage, but the story is about Georgette and Margaret Rose.
That's just a quick take on it, but note the realism in the dialogue, how you don't "notice" it, even when viewed today. So many films have dialogue that jumps up and shouts, 'You-hoo, here I am!.' Note the powerful POWERFUL tension with Miss Kate and her hold on Henry, even after he's an adult. Also note the subtleties in Mulligan's direction, the close-ups, the lean camera work, the smooth and patient dissolves from one scene into another.
Okay, yes, the 'not at all like McQueen's voice' choice was bad, along with his less than adequate portrayal of 'singing.' But that aside, you have a film that has a raw grit and power that few films have ever achieved.
No, this was a great film. Watch it again with a more attentive eye and I think you'll agree.
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