Cold Comfort Farm
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Movie Reviews of Cold Comfort Farm
Movie Review: An affectionate, funny film
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this film soon after its 1995 release and thought it wonderful, all the more so because Kate Beckinsale's interpretation of Flora Poste reminded me very much of my oldest daughter. So I was pleased to see that it has finally come out on DVD; I bought a copy, watched it again, and still think it wonderful. You should be warned that you may have a hard time understanding what some of the inhabitants of Cold Comfort Farm are saying. However, that's intentional and straight from the novel, where the accents and strange word usages often leave Flora puzzled. Here's an exchange (from the novel) that I believe is reproduced pretty much verbatim in the movie, when Reuben comes in after working out in the fields not long after Flora has started living at Cold Comfort Farm:
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...After another minute Reuben brought forth the following sentence:
'I ha' scranleted two hundred furrows come five o'clock down i' the bute.'
It was a difficult remark, Flora felt, to which to reply. Was it a complaint? If so, one might say, 'My dear, how too sickening for you!' But then, it might be a boast, in which case the correct reply would be, 'Attaboy!' or more simply, 'Come, that's capital.' Weakly she fell back on the comparativel safe remark:
'Did you?' in a bright interested voice.
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Speaking of which, the original novel (written in 1932 by Stella Gibbons) is just as wonderful, and the film is a remarkably faithful adaptation, if (understandably) a bit trimmed and modified. I read the book for the first time after watching the DVD release of the movie and was delighted to see that most of the dialog comes straight from the book, including my favorite line (the interchange between Neck, the movie producer, and Aunt Ada), if a bit punched up.
Finally, for the reviewers who are frustrated that we never find out what Ada saw in the woodshed, what wrongs were done to Robert Poste by Amos Starkadder, and what Flora Poste's rights were...well, the novel leaves us pretty much in the dark as well. In the book, Aunt Ada _does_ answer the second question for Flora--though we as readers don't get to hear the answer--and Ada is interrupted before she can answer Flora's intriguing follow up question, "And did the goat die?"
The movie and the book are both delightful; enjoy. ..bruce..
Movie Review: Wonderfully uplifting!
Summary: 5 Stars
The film version of "Cold Comfort Farm" is an adaptation of the comic novel by Stella Gibbons, published in 1932. This novel was a sort of parody of the often bleak portrayal of rural life as described in the works of Thomas Hardy and other authors. I've read the novel, and loved it, but I have to admit I actually loved the movie much more! It is the way the characters were brought 'alive' by the wonderfully talented ensemble cast, and especially the luminous portrayal of the lead character, Flora Poste, by Kate Beckinsale.
The story centers around Flora Poste (Beckinsale) who is a recently orphaned society girl. Instead of looking for a job, she tries to find relatives that will take her in and allow her time to write, thinking she has the makings of a novelist, much to the chagrin of her 'mentor' and friend (played by Absolutely Fabulous' Joanna Lumley). Flora thinks she has found a suitable place, Cold Comfort Farm, residence to the Starkadders, who are under the control of matriarch, Ada Doom (Sheila Burrell) and comprise Judith Starkadder (Eileen Atkins), Ian McKellen (Amos Starkadder), Seth Starkadder (Rufus Sewell), Reuben Starkadder (Ivan Kaye), and Elfine Starkadder (Maria Miles), among many other endearing and infuriating characters.
The plot moves along quickly as Flora brings a much needed breath of fresh air to the residents of Cold Comfort Farm, starting with little things to cheer the place up, and worming her way into the confidences of the residents, finding a challenge in Ada Doom who holds the other Starkadders in thrall to her, due to the trauma she suffered after witnessing "something nasty in the woodshed" many years ago, and the secret of some great wrong that was done to Flora Poste's father by one of the Starkadders.
The movie has all the elements to make it an engaging and fun viewing experience - a talented ensemble cast, an interesting and even intriguing plot, young love, romance, family secrets, youthful yearnings, etc. This is a movie that uplifts and puts a smile on one's face (and yes, lots of laughs along the way too). Just an absolute gem of a movie!
Movie Review: No Butter In Hell
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are searching for comparisons to help you decide whether to watch "Cold Comfort Farm" imagine a slightly older "Pollyanna" going to live on a rundown version of "Babe's" English farm with a strange and bleak collection of her country cousins.
This is an excellent and very earthy adaptation of Stella Gibbon's 1932 satirical novel (which itself is an odd marriage of Hardy and Wodehouse). Where the village pub is named "The Condemned Man" and the cows are named Aimless, Feckless, Graceless, and Pointless. Both the novel and its adaptation are joyfully depressing and packed with literary eccentricity and subtle humor. If you like "Faulty Towers" then you can expect to get off on the humor. But if you prefer "Hot Shots! Part Deux", you should probably pass on "Cold Comfort Farm".
There are three possible viewer reactions: It's not funny. I didn't figure out it was a comedy until halfway through but then I found it hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing.
Kate Beckinsale plays Flora Poste (always referred to by her relatives as Robert Poste's daughter), a recently orphaned 19 year old who chooses to live with relatives (the Starkadders) she has never met, at gloomy Cold Comfort Farm in Sussex. Beckinsale, even more radiant than usual, pulls off a nice characterization of the resourceful yet snobbish heroine. Like Pollyanna, she is a catalyst for positive change, but they are calculated changes. Her instinctive snobbishness (Beckinsale has a real talent for this) is played for laughs since everyone would feel a bit superior and distanced from this eccentric collection of misfits.
The adaptation nicely incorporates Gibbons's subtle parody of Jane Austen romantic clichés, from the controlling madwoman in the attic to wood nymph poetess, to the quivering parishioners. Even the production design is a funny send-up of the standard BBC mini-series look.
This is really a terrific production, doubly so for Beckinsale fans.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Movie Review: funny, original and very entertaining
Summary: 5 Stars
"Cold Comfort Farm" is one of those wonderful films directed by the late, great, John Schlesinger. I only wish that more Americans knew about it! This was actually first broadcast on the BBC and was then brought to movie houses (predominantly, arthouse and independent). It couldn't have been released at a more appropriate time. (I believe it was between 1995 or 1996 when Jane Austen was all the rage.) We had our pick of either the prim and well-polished "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility" or "Emma." Then, there was "Cold Comfort Farm." This film was set in an entirely more modern time period (1920s or 1930s, I believe).
The story revolves around Flora Poste, a young, fashionable orphan who comes to stay with the Starkadder family, and proceeds to turn the family's long-accepted, modest lifestyle on its head. Flora turns matchmaker, housekeeper and so much more in such a short time. Anything considered proper and well-accepted is questioned by the young Ms. Poste, and almost anything is possible when she decides it is!
The cast is great! The wonderful Eileen Atkins, as the matriarch, Judith, has a face only a mother could love, and makes great use of it to her advantage--playing it up to look particularly miserable and long-suffereing. The randy Seth Starkadder, is played by the greasy Rufus Sewell, who will go for a roll in the hay with just about any damsel at any time. Nauseatingly convincing....oy vey! And, let's not forget the appearance put in by the wonderful Sir Ian McKellan.
I believe this film has real cross-over appeal and is definitely not a chick flick. From what I recall, from the demographic of audience members in the theatre that day, both men and women shared some seriously hearty belly laughs over the rich and humorous material. I think it stands the test of time, nearly ten years later. Come on, people! See this film. Spread the word.......
Movie Review: There be no butter in hell !
Summary: 5 Stars
First, let me mention that the accents in this movie are very thick and some may, at first at least, be put off. I know many who normally like Altman were put off by the relatively light accents in Gosford Park. These are much thicker.
I had seen Haunted and upon seeing the world's most beautiful woman au natural I had to see more of her. But when I first tried to view Cold Comfort Farm, which was priced at $92.00 for the 'available only on VHS', I was put off because my ear could not decipher the dialog fast enough and by what I perceived at the time as a lack of senuality. It wasn't till AMC aired it not too long ago that I gave it a long, long overdue second chance.
Beckinsale isn't just the most beautiful actress since Ava Gardner but one of the best since Kate Hepburn. What a package. She's in a class with Jennifer Jason Leigh and that's rarified air. As 'Robert Poste's daughter Flora, Beckingsale is, as she was as Emma Woodhouse, divinely enchanting.
This very different, very English comedy of manners is very amusing and overflowing with charm. In short, orphaned Flora, after feeling out several relatives, decides to find out what her 'rights' are as the daughter of the 'wronged' Robert Poste and live with the Starkadders on Cold Comfort Farm. She hopes this may be an atmosphere conducive to her writing aspirations. Oh, contraire. Delight ensues. This can be watched again and again and get better every time. On a par with The Wrong Box but maybe better! An incredible supporting cast, notable production values and, as always, brilliant direction by John Schlesinger round out this perfect vehicle for remarkable Ms.Beckinsale.
...the golden orb...