Sylvia
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Movie Reviews of Sylvia
Movie Review: On Its Own Merits, a Great Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Perhaps those who have preconceived notions about the relationship of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath will find fault with this movie. But to me it seems sensitively done, frankly portraying both virtues and faults, the external pressures on the marriage, and the slow but steady demise of a tormented artistic soul. Since it seems not to press any agenda, the film leaves the viewer free to draw his own conclusions.For fans of action films this one moves far too slowly. But for those who are captivated by subtleties of character and psychology, the pace is fine, the sequence of scenes logical, and the movie riveting from beginning to end. The acting is totally convincing, and one is less aware of actors than aborbed in their characters--always the hallmark of a successful film.
The film score is perfectly suited to the subject matter: pensive even at its sunniest, and never without the darkness of Sylvia's character. My only regret is that it isn't a bit more varied in thematic content. But perhaps this was deliberate, reflecting the obsessions of the poetess herself.
I have watched this movie a number of times, and plan to watch it many more. It is rewarding each time, something I can say for very few movies. It has led me to explore the poetry of Hughes and Plath, and I expect I'm not alone. The film's ability to generate interest in the art of its characters is a hallmark of its success. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: Triumphal Heat
Summary: 5 Stars
www.iwishicouldbeontime.blogsopt.comIn this brilliant film about the life and death of one of America's most poignant poets, Sylvia Plath, the film takes a turn and looks at the triumph of suicide. In today's society suicide is often labeled with negative conations; but to poet Sylvia Plath, her death was a success. Sylvia Plath suffered with mental illness for years and as the days continued for her, daily life was harder to face. Death to her was salvation. Sylvia took her own life to save the lives of her children. For people to understand this concept, they must understand the destruction of a mental illness. By using her poetry this film tells the story of Sylvia's life. The film is an excellent depiction of the life of Sylvia Plath. Not only does this film brilliantly show her life, but it also looks deep inside the heartache of psychological sickness. This film shows the oppressiveness of Sylvia Plath's most important companion, Ted Hughes. The film illustrates Ted Hughes as a man who was filled with broken promises, which is a beautiful representation of the truth that is often not explained to followers of Sylvia Plath. This film is a story that should been seen and discussed especially by those who suffer mental illness. The film makes a person wonder about their own lives, yet at the same time gives a bit of hope and the strength to continue.
Movie Review: Paltrow is Phenomenal as Sylvia
Summary: 5 Stars
Making films based on actual persons' lives, particularly about someone as fragile and self-destructive as Sylvia Plath, is often extremely difficult. For starters, the viewer often knows the story line. Anyone who knows the name Sylvia Plath is aware that she committed suicide so there are few surprises for the audience. What this movie does so well is make the downward spiraling of Plath interesting without stooping to cheap sentiment or sensationalism. Much of the credit for this film's success must go to Gwyneth Paltrow who is quite mesmerizing as the tragic poet. She literally becomes Sylvia Plath. Conventional wisdom is that Ted Hughes, played here by Daniel Craig, was basically a cad and treated Plath badly. That may in fact be true, but this film portays him as someone who for a long time worked hard to save a relationship that was doomed from the beginning. In her increasing paranoia, Plath accused him of having affairs with almost everyone he met, practically driving him into the arms of other women-- at least according to this film version.
Certainly these two extremely talented poets join the ranks of other famous couples who though passionately in love cannot live together. One of the best films of 2004, SYLVIA is not to be missed.
Movie Review: Astonishing performances
Summary: 5 Stars
There have always been the pro-Plath and pro-Hughes groups stemming from their complex relationship and the evolving feminist movement; but 'Sylvia' breaks free from this divide, and tells the story of frustrated artists and their complex, emotion-laden relationships.
The film evolves or devolves brilliantly: from the sun filled and idealist Sylvia, to the love-damaged and obsessive Sylvia, taking her own life. The characters are beautifully portrayed without bias, and paves the road for one of Gwyneth Platrow's best performances in her career: almost embodying Plath's descent into despair. There are moments in 'Sylvia' - portrayed so delicately by Paltrow - which are almost unbearable to watch. Daniel Craig supports well with his three-dimensional portayal of Hughes, and the cinematographer appropriately paints the tones from warm and sunny, to cold and monotonous with her eventual suicide.
Not a feel good film, I must confess (suicide is after all a grim affair); but the film is well directed by Christine Jeffs, and Gwyneth Paltrow's performance is simply astonishing. Well worth watching.
Movie Review: Sylvia "The Teacher"
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me start off by saying I don't know alot about the life Sylvia Plath. This film was an introduction for me. BUT it makes me want to know more. From that standpoint it accomplishes it's mission. After all isn't that the goal of a film (or book)? I thought Gwyneth Paltrow did a steller job of communicating the small amount of joy and great dispair in Ms. Plath's life. IF the film is "spot on" with the facts of their life together there is NO QUESTION that Mr. Hughes CAN be blamed for Sylvia's demise. She wanted to go back to Devon and start over, and was in fact excited with the prospect of doing so. Mr. Hughes was not. Mr. Hughes KNEW he had deeply hurt her, and knew of her past attempts, so WHY DID HE LEAVE HER? If I loved someone like that I would NOT leave them this way. He knew she was struggling (with herself and the children) and should have been more of a help to her. Anyway, great job all around re the actors. An A+ film that conveys its storyline in a most successful way.