Gosford Park (2001)
It takes quite a while to get into Robert Altman's
comic essay on the mannered wealth of yesterday, "Gosford
Park." Altman, as is his wont, does not make it easy
on the viewer. He introduces numerous characters, most
of whom speak in proper yet whispered British accents,
and only uses a handful of recognizable (to Americans)
actors. His film takes ages to set up exposition of
said characters as well as plot. But as the film unspools,
we become easily engaged in the film.
Like "Titanic" and numerous other pieces, including
PBS' "Upstairs, Downstairs," "Gosford Park" is, at its
root, about class distinction. Here, the film brings
us what is almost the end of the English aristocracy.
Set at a manor, during a pheasant hunt (nee "Rules of
the Game"), Altman's film tells two sets of stories,
which are intertwined. The somewhat wealthy gentry here
has its stories juxtaposed against the household staff
of the manor. These stories are mixed together when
Americans come on the scene and both sets of characters
are "intruded" upon by the less urbane sensibilities
of the continent.
On the cast list is a multitude of notable talent.
None is more perfectly cast or performs more wonderfully
than Maggie Smith. This is her best role in ages and
she performs with obvious joy. Kristen Scott Thomas,
Bob Balaban, Ryan Phillippe, Stephen Fry, and Helen
Mirren all perform at the top of their game here. Phillippe
is particularly well cast in a spark of genius from
Altman that finds the young actor succeeding in his
most challenging role yet.
Witty, involving and full of delightful images,
stories and characters, "Gosford Park" is deserving
of the numerous accolades which have been heaped upon
it. You will see it getting much more attention as Oscar
time rolls near. Don't miss out on seeing what the buzz
is all about. You have to give the film 30 to 40 minutes
to build up steam, but once you get into it, like a
great novel or a fantastic ball game, you'll find yourself
deeply enthralled.
Note:
Also with Michael Gambon, Jeremy Northam, Alan
Bates, Emily Watson, Richard Grant, and Kelly Macdonald.
Scripted by Julian Fellowes from an idea by Balaban
and Altman. Score by Patrick Doyle. Production Design
by Stephen Altman.
Balaban plays a character named Morris Weissmann
who produces Charlie Chan pictures, as the film is set
in the 30's. It is intimated in the film that Weissmann
is gay. A search of the Internet Movie Database finds
no such person. Conversely, Northam plays Ivor Novello,
a vocalist, and he sings several songs in the film.
The music credits at the end of the film list Novello
as author of several of the songs. The Internet Movie
Database does list an Ivor Novello as actor, composer
and lyricist for several movies in the 20's and 30's.
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