 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "Johnny Betts is a rude 'abnoxious' jerk who needs to be 'punced' in the face."- A grammatically-challenged non-fan |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
HOME PAGE  Yes Man Transporter 3 Four Christmases Twilight Quantum of Solace Ghouls Eagle Eye Righteous Kill Tropic Thunder  Weekend Results: 1. Watchmen($55,214,334) 2. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail($8,532,412) 3. Taken($7,334,814) 4. Slumdog Millionaire($6,808,383) 5. Paul Blart: Mall Cop($4,146,316) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rebecca Sharp, or Becky (Reese Witherspoon), is an unfortunate victim of circumstance - she happens to be
the daughter of a starving artist and a Parisian opera singer. Not the most desirable parentage for
Regency England. Through her wit, guile and feminine charms, she climbs the social ladder, although
still only tolerated by most. Becky thinks she's finally made it when she marries Captain Rawdon
Crawley (James Purefoy), but her dreams of riches are dashed when he is cut from the will of his
affluent aunt. They each survive using their talents, he by gambling, she by flirting, and share the
spoils. Even though Becky has the love and loyalty of Rawdon, she still yearns to be accepted by the
circles of high Society. The Marquess of Steyne (Gabriel Byrne) offers her that place, as well as
relief from their ever-mounting debts ... but at what price? The answer ensues.
This really was a GOOD movie. Well-made, excellent cast, beautiful costumes and scenery, and all on the
foundation of William Makepeace Thackeray's stinging social commentary. Beyond the quality of talent is
the sheer quantity of talented actors. Although Reese gets first billing, hers is not the only pivotal
character. Listen to this list: Becky Sharp, Amelia Sedley, Jos Sedley, Captain George Osborne, Mr.
Osborne, Captain William Dobbin, Sir Pitt Crawley, Pitt Crawley, Rawdon Crawley, Miss Matlida Crawley,
Lady Southdown, Lady Jane Sheepshanks, The Marquess of Steyne, and children Rawdy Crawley and Georgy
Osborne. About 45 named characters are listed in the credits, not including people billed as
"slave dancer" or "casino boy."
Besides those annoying ladies, I only have a few minor things to pick on. I really don't think some of
their fashion statements are historically correct - some of the fabrics seemed a little too modern, and
what is with those Elizabethan collars? Some of the hairdos were a little daring - they could be
considered magical, since hairspray had not been invented. And I really don't think highborn ladies
wore tons of makeup all the time, I could be wrong. But kohl, rouge and lip rouge were usually reserved
for whores and only very delicately used for a big party during that time. But again, this is just my
somewhat educated guesstimate. Another bother was some shaky camera work - some intimate scenes were
ruined because I was getting a little dizzy. I was even sitting in the back.|
|
Copyright © 2004 The Movie Mark. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of these reviews or any of the original material on this site is allowed without prior permission from Johnny Betts. Comply or suffer the consequences of Johnny's size 11 biker boot. Wanna be a Movie Mark? Send Johnny Betts an email (johnny_betts@hotmail.com) to be added to the list or complete: The Movie Mark Questionnaire.
|
|
||||||