Thoughts after reseeing Slaves

I saw it when it was released in 1989, I bought it on video and dvd, seen it maybe 10 times... Still love it. I discover new things every time.

This time I could see how the character of Stash brings the film down a bit. I do find him absolutely essential to the movie (and cute), but he is not a pleasant character and quite childish. I do think the actor portraying him is good but he is a bit inexperienced when he needs to deliver strong anger in some scenes. A more experienced actor would have brought a little humour to this very self centered character.

Eleanor as portrayed by Bernadette P is still a dream. As Ivory said in the interview on the dvd, she brings lightness to the part when a lot of others would have made Eleanor a drag. Why would anyone be together with someone like Stash? She is the soul of the film.

The editing is at times VERY bad. How could they have two scenes shown at once??? Was it the idea of the scenes being like paintings in a gallery??? It almost ruins the movie.
They should have left out the scene of Eleanor and Stash sleeping and also the (good and tender) scene with Stash and the gallery owner. Instead they should have concentrated on the scenes with Daria. It's as if they didn't trust the material.

That's all for now.
I still LOVE this film! Thank you Merchant Ivory for making it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!