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Thompson (1988)
Uneven, but some rather hilarious bits here and there
Unlike others who have seen this show and hated it, I have a very mixed view of it. I find several of the skits painfully unfunny, but then something hilarious or really moving will come along. The Victorian sketch about the "mouse" is particularly hilarious, and showcases both Emma's mother and her sister, as well as herself. The sketches she does with Kenneth Branagh are very good and rather funny, in particular the Robin Hood sketch. My favorite sketch is the one with the two 16th century peasant women gossiping about their husbands. There is also the very strangely moving tale of the dinner party, and the amazing performance by Emma's mother Phyllida Law as a woman in a tree. So if you can ever track it down and see it, do so. You can wince through the worse bits and make it through to the funny ones.
Of course, all of this is contingent on whether your sense of humor matches mine, which it might not, but if you're an Emma Thompson fan, it's something you should at least see once, if you can.
A Month in the Country (1987)
A minor disagreement with the previous commenter
I loved this film, and I'm American. Admittedly, when I first saw this movie I'd already been to the UK twice, but I had very little difficulty understanding the film or its subtleties. The acting is superb, and the situation delicate and well presented. I'm not sure that simply being English enables one to understand the film. I really had no difficulties with it whatsoever.
As I said, its plot is subtle and presented with as light a touch as Birkin uses when cleaning the fresco. The scene where Alice picks up the green apple and taps it and smells it as Birkin watches from afar is so luscious and yearning and sweet.
I have read the novel as well, but I must admit, I preferred the film. I am fascinated by the effects of WWI and the returning survivors on the inter-war society of Britain, so to me that was the real value of it, beyond its gentle bittersweet melancholy romance.
I will agree with the previous poster, that the film is a paean to the Yorkshire people and countryside. The scenes with the Stationmaster and the other families are very well-drawn. I will also admit that I wished I'd had subtitles the first time I saw the movie. But I saw it so many times after that that I picked up the words pretty quick.
Anyway, I definitely think that any one can enjoy this film if they are patient enough and appreciative enough to let it unfold in its delicate way. If you don't expect fast-paced plotting and if you do like excellently and lovingly drawn characters, you'll love this film.
The Misadventures of Margaret (1998)
A wonderful literary romp
This is such a weird little film, with a very twisted heroine, but after the first few minutes of the film one finds oneself falling for her lock, stock and barrel. I like the literary references that fall from characters' lips like diamonds. I also think that it is one of Jeremy Northam's most wonderful performances. He doesn't get a huge amount to do, but what he does do is so subtle and nuanced, it's a joy (as usual) to watch. Parker Posey is like a young Kate Hepburn, whirling her way through an insane but sexually charged plot. Or perhaps she's more like Carole Lombard in My Man Godfrey, just completely nuts.
It does fall down in places during the first eighteenth century bits, but then the joke there becomes clear, as well as the significance it holds. I haven't read the novel but hope to get my hands on it. It sounds such fun.
I do wish I could own this film, to complete my Jeremy Northam collection. I also wish the soundtrack were available, because the music is quite charming.
I do like the cheerful slightly confused sexuality portrayed by both the heroine and her eighteenth century counterpart, it's quite refreshing to see the subject treated so matter-of-factly.
Rent this film, it's a lot of fun!
The Misadventures of Margaret (1998)
A wonderful literary romp
This is such a weird little film, with a very twisted heroine, but after the first few minutes of the film one finds oneself falling for her lock, stock and barrel. I like the literary references that fall from characters' lips like diamonds. I also think that it is one of Jeremy Northam's most wonderful performances. He doesn't get a huge amount to do, but what he does do is so subtle and nuanced, it's a joy (as usual) to watch. Parker Posey is like a young Kate Hepburn, whirling her way through an insane but sexually charged plot. Or perhaps she's more like Carole Lombard in My Man Godfrey, just completely nuts.
It does fall down in places during the first eighteenth century bits, but then the joke there becomes clear, as well as the significance it holds. I haven't read the novel but hope to get my hands on it. It sounds such fun.
I do wish I could own this film, to complete my Jeremy Northam collection. I also wish the soundtrack were available, because the music is quite charming.
I do like the cheerful slightly confused sexuality portrayed by both the heroine and her eighteenth century counterpart, it's quite refreshing to see the subject treated so matter-of-factly.
Rent this film, it's a lot of fun!