Wit
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Movie Reviews of Wit
Movie Review: There are no words, but having said that
Summary: 5 Stars
There are no words that can express my feelings about this film, but having said that, this is one of the - maybe THE most moving films I have ever seen and definitely one of the most magnificent performances I have ever seen, Emma Thompson's. The spareness, the pace - both of which some other reviewers have commented on - seem to reflect, paradoxically, the experience of what is being faced - and as the character, Professor Bearing, comes to say: simplicity. Yet the story and the experience are anything but 'simplicity'. Profound, deeply thought provoking, comforting, rich, eloquent - and yet there are no words, as she also says at one point, even though words have meant so much to her. The comma in John Donne's poem - I think the lines that reflect on that are some of the most - affecting I've ever heard. One of the most moving scenes ever viewed in a film is the one where Professor Bearing's nurse played so wonderfully by Audra MacDonald rubs lotion on Professor Bearing's hands; so moving I wasn't sure I could bear it. This film is just extraordinary in every way and I wish I knew that Ms.Thompson, Mr. Nichols, Ms. McDonald, Ms. Edson, et al. could know how much it meant to my husband and me to watch it. John Donne, whose poetry was a subject in another of my favorite films - 84 Charing Cross Road - was done proud. I am grateful for the existence of this film.Movie Review: One of the finest performances in cinema history
Summary: 5 Stars
Emma Thompson turns in her finest performance to date and one of the towering screen performances of all time in this moving HBO drama. She plays a college professor named Dr. Vivian Bearing, seen by her students and colleagues as difficult to handle and work with. Suddenly, her dreary, drab life is turned on it's end when she is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She handles it well, using the apt title of the film to handle her hardships. As you watch her wither, losing hair, weight but never her humor, she takes you along her life through flashbacks, even disturbing the viewer by putting her weak, cancer-ridden body in the place of her youth between scenes. The film is shot like a documentary, with many scenes of oddly humorous dialogue, and Thompson talking to the camera as well. She is portrayed as an intelligent woman, well versed in literature and liable to quote random bits of poetry throughout her speeches.
One moment while watching this movie you are chuckling at her wittiness, and in the next you are sobbing into the crook of your elbow. This is one of the few films that I classify as an "ugly-cry" movie, where you lose all shame and begin to weep bitterly as though Dr. Bearing is an old friend. A superb Emmy-worthy performance by Thompson, fine direction, and a terrific supporting cast make this film a true cinematic gem.
Movie Review: A great movie... a movie with genuine Wit and emotion
Summary: 5 Stars
Wit is the story of a cancer patient, played by Emma Thompson, who soon learns her days may be numbered as she undergoes a controversial but potentially life-saving treatment. Suddenly, she realizes the treatment is killing her as well, and we begin to see her remaining days unfold.This movie is wonderfully acted and skillfully directed. I've seen this movie four times and cry each time (How many movies can you say that about?) Roger Ebert named it one of the best movies of the year, despite it being on HBO, and I entirely agree with him.
This movie moves one to tears each time because it is at once witty and touching, and it takes you to a place rarely seen in movies these days... a place of genuine emotion.
The movie's true purpose is deceiving. On its most basic level, it is a movie about death. But on a higher plane (evoking the main character's favorite author, John Dunne) the movie is actually life-affirming, as we learn all too well her mistakes and hope we will not be as unlucky in our own lives. In other words, this movie not only asks us to watch Ms. Thompson's character die, but also to go outside and live ours more fully.
This movie is a wonderfully intelligent character piece that few people will be unsatsfied with.
Movie Review: A Must For All Care Givers & Friends of the Terminally Ill
Summary: 5 Stars
So many brilliant and insightful reviews of this wise and awakening film. In humility and with deep respect to these other reviewers and of course to this tanscendant work I only want to add the rather small point that the magic in this film is its simple observation..it's detachment. It is moving and communicates powerfully precisely because it doesn't manipulate our emotions or make any judgments about Dr. Bearing or those caring for her..it gives each person spiritual and intellectual room to open to what is possible to see and understand. As a survivor of advanced cancer and a ravagingly aggressive cure I can attest to the stark reality of what is portrayed in this film. I strongly encourage anyone with a friend or relative with a poor cancer prognosis and all care givers of the terminally ill to see this film..perhaps over and over. It will give you a big head start on being a mindfully present companion to your loved one through their journey. It should be part of the film library of every hospice, every hospital, every cancer center, every cancer support group..every medical school.
Also, obviously this film is a masterpiece..any one who appreciates the art of film will find this close to incomparable.
Movie Review: Close to a masterpiece.
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished watching 'Wit' and I'm not sure if I am truly ready to express how I feel. I have seen the play version on two occasions and both proved to be an astounding night of theatre (I doubt you could do wrong with Margaret Edson's stunning classic). I also own the script and I've read it through and passed it on to many friends so they may be enlightened as well. Finally, it came to the moment in Blockbuster tonight when I had to choose if I wanted to risk the beauty of this work on a movie. How glad I am I did. Although I do prefer the live play version, the movie is stunning. The music, the filming, the detail. Emma Thompson throwing up, Audra McDonald pausing for a moment to massage hand lotion on the dying Vivian, Vivian's old professor reading her a bed time story. Everything comes to life. Hats off to every performer in this movie and special praise to Mike Nichols for so sensitively directing this film and letting the actors have free rein with their art. As I've previously mentioned, I can barely express my love for this newfound treasure, but I urge you to discover it for yourself. If you can make it through without a small tear at some point, you'll be very lucky. Or more accurately, very cold.