Mary Reilly
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Movie Reviews of Mary Reilly
Movie Review: Stylish Gothic Romance
Summary: 4 Stars
This film got panned at it's release, but the critics were unfairly hard on it. They had no understanding of the Gothic Romance genre and had obviously never read the original story. This film stays true to the Gothic formula (big house, virtuous heroine, dark secret, sexy employer)and is the most faithful to the original story that has yet been made. It has a nice use of color sticking to black, white and grey, puncuated by blood red. Which almost seems like an homage to the old Hammer-Horror films. Glen Close is wonderful as always, though she and John Malcovich don't get enough scenes together to make the sparks really fly. Judging by the trailer, some scenes were cut just before release. Which is a pity as the last act seems a little rushed which somewhat deflates all the previous moody buildup. Let's hope a director's cut with extended footage will one day be released.Final Verdict:
If you like "Jane Eyre" and have read the original short-story of Dr. Jekyll, you'll like this. If you'd rather have a root-canal than watch Kathy run through the mists one more time calling "Heathcliff, Heathcliff"---skip it.
Movie Review: Murder in the shadows and fog
Summary: 4 Stars
This is one creepy film! It's intoxicating in it's slow pace, beautiful images and complex relationships. I'd classisfy it as a horror/love sorty. But it's not the kind of horror that revels in gallons of blood an decapitated corpses like Bram Stoker's Dracula. The gore is kept to a minimum, but when it does appear, it's highly affective. There's a lot of suspense in the relationships between Mary and the other servants, Jekel and Hyde. The colors are crisp and vibrant, while blacks are very dark. There is a lot of fog and shadow in the film, yet those subtlities are captured beautifully here as well. Only the widescreen version is available here and thankfully, it's anamorphic. There are few extras included which is a shame, becasue a commentary and/or an in dpeth making of documentary would've been very insightful.
If you like composed, suspense-filled drama with a dark horror edge, you'll really enjoy Mary Reily. Julia Roberts and Mackovich give very solid preformances that immediately draw you into the story. Terrific film for a dark stormy night.
Movie Review: Pleasant surprise
Summary: 4 Stars
This was a surprise, as I didn't think Julia Roberts would ever attempt something serious and certainly not as intellectual as a costume drama. Her accent is a little hoaky, but she actually did a pretty good job here and I wish this movie was more acknowledged than it is as this is one of (if not the) few on her resume that has substance.
Instead of the traditional Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde journal entries and lab experiements, we see the good doctor falling apart from his chamber maid's perspective. Mary Reilly, a controlled, obedient woman, is busy about the house while a mysterious stranger seems to float in and out of the house. Eventually the stranger as well as the doctor (John Malcovich) take a shine to her. Both find her attractive, no question, but they're both fascinated by her and what a mystery she is. It follows the story of Jekyll and Hyde from an outsider's point of view (Mary's), and how a man is going mad with abuse of power. Glen Close even has a cameo which was all too brief.
Movie Review: Be nice, she's not that bad!
Summary: 4 Stars
I have to disagree with the critique of Ms. Robert's acting. It's been criticized before as "blah," wooden or uninspired. Perhaps because next to John Malcovich's gloriously over-the-top scene chewing Mr. Hyde she seems a little pale. Or maybe it's because Mary Reilly is such a break in roles for her. She isn't perky and cute like in "Pretty Woman" or assertively sexual as in "Erin Brokovich." But, then she's playing a Victorian housemaid. A big-eyed, sad little drudge with an abused past, desperately and unwillingly in love with a man above her station. When she is around her employer Dr. Jekyll, she is utterly controlled by social convention. When she is near his alterego Mr. Hyde, she's petrified with fear. And for good reason. I would call her acting understated and subtly nuanced. Ms. Roberts communicates a lot with a glance, a silence or just a stirring of hands. She's the counterpoint to the uninhibited Mr. Hyde. And she keeps the film from descending into farce, which it very well could have.Movie Review: Fantastic film but not for Julia.
Summary: 4 Stars
Another remake of classic Jeckyl & Hyde story. Now from the point of view of the maid, Mary Reilly. This is well made movie but it performed badly in the box office. I believe this is the worst performing (box office wise) in Julia Roberts career. I really don't think this is the right part for her. The rest of the casts are wonderful. John Malkovich is excellent as both Jecky & Hyde. Glenn Close has supporting role. The DVD is quite good. Picture is sharp & clear despite a lot of the movie took place in the dark. The Dolby 5.0 is OK, why they don't add the .1 for the subwoofer channel is beyond me. But if you like the Jeckyl Hyde story, this DVD will not disappoint you.