The Way We Live Now
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Movie Reviews of The Way We Live Now
Movie Review: the way we live now
Summary: 4 Stars
there are the same type of good and bad guys and gals no matter what generation
you grow up in. this movie is great.
Movie Review: Book to video is usually a loser, this time more than usual
Summary: 3 Stars
Trollope was a great writer. His characters were never caricatures or sterile, but fully-developed and interesting, even the most fleeting. And his plots, while not the engine to the story, moved the characters in ways worth following. While not my favorite novel, this is a fine book, with many wonderful, scintillating stories (too many really!) and a cast that makes the head dizzy with their deceptions and foolishness,Hard stuff to film, and given the new Masterpiece Theater interest in flair over substance, it is especially challenging. The sets are amazing, the costumes gorgeous, the hair and small details all spot-on (have we ever seen a character step in manure before? though it must have been all over). Yet somehow, the thing never hangs together. People drive Trollope's tales, long, complicated speeches between those who know each other well, and when that is lost, it would require much better writing than is evidenced here to be successful.
The actors act and look well, but never inhabit their characters. Though there are many fine ones present, (other than Mrs. Hurtle and that annoying Gone With the Wind accent) they are forced to superficialize when compressing so much into so little time. It is not a disaster; the board meetings are truly wonderful, the easily manipulated greedily applauding their pickpocket, and poor Brehgert is just beautifully drawn. But Marie is just shrill, Felix is annoying, and Melmotte himself comes across as all puff and bombast. It's hard to see in this how he could maintain his illusion for so long. And the required coincidences that seem more plausible in a big book look especially cloying when removed from their camouflage. Passable, in some ways delightful, but nothing more than a tepid adaptation of a robust book.
Movie Review: Good not great.
Summary: 3 Stars
I love British period films. And am a huge fan of Matthew Macfadyen. But this film did not satisfy the hype. Every bit of detail was paid -- unfortunately making the entire film drag and leaving me wanting something... Although the story is strong, the cinematography beautiful and much of the dialogue clever, some weaknesses were hard to overcome. For example: Paul Montague's ex-fiance from America... Her southern accent is ridiculous and making her an utterly unbelievable character. Augustus Melmotte, although he reminded me of the Danny Devito's Penguine from Batman, was effectively dark and menacing. But because he is in much of the scenes, his character became strangely redundant, predictable. However, the rest of the cast was excellent. Matthew Macfadyen, as Sir Felix, was hilarious and charming as a cad. As good as this movie was, it could have been so much better had the director been more liberal with the editing... as is, it is extremely long and somewhat repetitive. But fans of period films will be forgiving and enjoy it nonetheless.Movie Review: Worth it for Suchet
Summary: 3 Stars
I originally liked this a lot when I first saw it about 6 years ago. I recently read the book and then watched it again. Having read the book, I'm somewhat less impressed with this production. I understand condensing. However, it's hard to condone cutting crucial plot elements just so we can see extra scenes with McFayden romping in the woods. Oh well, I guess they needed to make it more appealing to the masses.
That said, this is still great for certain performances- Suchet in particular. I simply loved his performance.
Certain casting choices were questionable- It's already been said before, but Miranda Otto really was a poor choice. Couldn't they find an actual American actress for this role?
I can't find any real fault in Cillian Murphy's performance. However, physically, he just wasn't the right actor for this role. From certain angles he looks more like a young girl than a man. His walking around in a cowboy hat bordered on the ridiculous.
Again, see it for Souchet.
Movie Review: Entertaining
Summary: 3 Stars
This movie is very entertaining, and will keep you guessing what is going to happen next but simply put, it is a very odd and strange story. The characters were all a little bit strange, except for a few, and many interesting things happened. Some of it was very funny but the rest was a little odd. The acting is very well done, as are the sets, and costumes. I would not recommend owning this, but it is an interesting way to spend an afternoon. Look out for the outrageous American accent exhibited by Miranda Otto as Mrs. Hurdle. It was very amusing. She sounded as if she came from the backwoods of West Virginia.