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It is Autumn 1913, and war is looming in Europe. In the English countryside, the aging Sir Randolph Nettleby invites a group of his peers for a weekend of pheasant shooting. Among them are the haughty Lord Gilbert Hartlip- who considers himself to be the best shot- as well as the urbane writer Lionel Stephens, who is in love with the married Lady Olivia Lilburn. As personalities and attitudes clash, the weekend proceeds, and Sir Randolph begins to see his way of life fading into obscurity.

Directed by Alan Bridges and based on Isabel Colegate's novel of the same name, 'The Shooting Party' is a profound ensemble piece examining the waning of the aristocracy, in the last summer before The Great War. In some ways, it is comparable to Jean Renoir's 'The Rules of The Game,' through its portrayal of the decadence and decline of the peerage, as well as its use of the motif of hunting as a metaphor for the violence and cruelty of the upper classes. 'The Shooting Party' is a more sombre affair, though, focusing on the contrasts between the rich and poor, as well as the difference in attitude between generations.

Colegate and Julian Bond's screenplay contains sharp dialogue and astute characterisation, with an engaging narrative full of drama and pathos, examining a multitude of themes; namely the inevitability of change, the loss of innocence and the futility of war. The film shows how the aristocracy is losing its power and prestige, as the industrialization, urbanization and democratization of society are transforming the world; whilst foreshadowing the impact of the war, which will bring an end to the old order and usher in a new era.

Additionally, 'The Shooting Party' highlights the innocence and ignorance of the rich, who are oblivious to the impending war and the suffering of the lower classes. They enjoy their leisure activities and indulge in their affairs, without realizing the consequences of their actions. Moreover, it shows how the war will shatter their innocence and force them to face reality.

Bridges contrasts the beauty and harmony of nature with the brutality and chaos of warfare. The character Cornelius, a pacifist, notes the similarity between hunting and war, saying, "It's all part of the same thing. The same madness. The same contempt for life." He also predicts that the coming war with Germany will be "the greatest catastrophe the world has ever seen."

Furthermore, 'The Shooting Party' reflects on the historical and social context of its time, as it depicts the last days of the Edwardian era, which was marked by stability, prosperity and elegance, but also by inequality, hypocrisy and callous decadence. The film also relates to contemporary issues, such as the environmental crisis and the social justice movement. It invites the viewer to question their values and choices, and implores one to learn from history.

'The Shooting Party' is grandly photographed by Fred Tammes, whose rich cinematography creates an earthy palette, contributing to the tone of Colegate and Bond's narrative. His panoramic shots of the countryside convey the beautiful harmony of nature, while his close-ups of birds and other animals emphasizes the vulnerability and fragility of life. Moreover, he creates a stark contrast between light and dark colours, reinforcing the contrast between the upper and lower classes. Textured and striking, Tammes' work lingers in the mind long after the credits have rolled.

Also deserving of praise is John Scott's mournful and reflective score, which makes excellent use of pieces by the likes of Elgar and Ralph Vaughn Williams, bringing additional drama to proceedings. Tom Rand's costume design is also impressive, capturing the style and status of the characters, as well as the mood and period of the film. His work creates a contrast between the rural, natural setting, producing a visual tension between the artificial and the organic. Morley Smith's detailed production design is of a particularly high quality, recreating the setting and atmosphere of the Edwardian era; essentially transforming Knebworth House and its grounds back in time to 1913.

An ensemble piece, 'The Shooting Party' features a large cast of talented actors working at the top of their games. His last film, James Mason showcases much vulnerability and sensitivity as Sir Randolph; delivering a nuanced performance that cements his reputation as one of cinema's greatest actors. Edward Fox is superb as the steely, tight-lipped Lord Gilbert, while Gordon Jackson steals all his scenes as one of the local beaters with ease. The great John Gielgud and Judi Bowker both give masterful performances as the pacifist Cornelius and Lady Olivia, respectively, while Cheryl Campbell is consistently excellent in the role of the self-interested Lady Aline Hartlip. Additionally, Aharon Ipalé does laudable work as the Israeli Sir Reuben Hergesheimer; a charming outsider who watches the party with a cynical eye.

A fascinating piece of filmmaking, Alan Bridges' 'The Shooting Party' is a must watch for fans of Merchant Ivory films- or indeed- cinema in general. Containing an engaging narrative, strong dialogue and sharp characterisation, the film fires on all cylinders; so to speak. Boasting breathtaking cinematography, lavish production design and a moving score, it is an evocative and atmospheric watch from start to finish. Featuring masterful performances from all in the cast- led by the late, great James Mason- Alan Bridges' 'The Shooting Party' will truly blow you away.

This film is set on a great English estate during the last days before the outbreak of World War I. A superb cast including James Mason (in his last role), Robert Hardy, Edward Fox and Gordon Jackson combine their talents to produce a wonderful, if gloomy, peek at the comfortable world of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII that was about to come tumbling down. The plot foreshadows the social and moral upheavals that will be faced but does so with a grace and subtlety that makes this a film worth seeing.

If you like Merchant/Ivory films, then you will also enjoy this one. It moves slowly but surely as we witness the sun setting on the aristocracy and on the British Empire, set in the microcosm of an English country estate. These people are doomed, in various ways, but, more than that, a way of life that flourished for centuries is about to be extinguished by the slaughter of WWI. James Mason is the lord of the manor and plays the part as if he were born to it. This was his last film and it makes you realize how much he is missed. Edward Fox has a field day playing the weak, tradition bound guest who can't abide being bested and Cheryl Campbell is terrific as his wayward wife. There are many good supporting roles but Gordon Jackson, as one of the "beaters" is a stand-out; his final scenes are brilliantly done. Sir John Gielgud walks through as a protester against the hunt and sparkles in that small role. It is sometimes difficult to figure out who is related to whom since there are a lot of characters, all of whom have some interrelationship. This is a beautiful film, rich in scenary and it captures a time and life that died in the trenches of the Great War. Highly recommended.

While the whole film is beautifully accomplished on all levels, acting, directing, sense of time and place, the scene between James Mason and John Gielgud, which takes place during a shoot, reveals acting that has gone beyond acting. It is one of the most exquisite scenes in the history of the cinema. Mason and Gielgud are perfect.

Frankly, much of this movie is all but indecipherable to the American ear, with much muttering done in what we deign to call a heavy English accent. However, if you keep your fingers over the remote volume control and the rewind button, you can stay with the story. Whether you do or not is up to you, but DON'T leave before you enjoy one of the greatest scenes in all moviedom.

There comes a time during the shooting when John Gielgud, as an anti-hunting pamphleteer, marches boldly into the line of fire and disrupts the hunt. James Mason, as the Lord of the manor, takes him aside. The conversation they have is delightful, amazing, perfectly written, perfectly acted. It is a joy. (Mason, "Ahhh, special terms.") It is the only portion of this film I have on tape!

If you enjoy movies for the magic moments they contain, as Yogi Berra once said, "Don't miss it if you can."