yokittygirl
Joined Feb 2010
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Reviews2
yokittygirl's rating
There is, as many reviews have observed, a strong dark streak to this movie. The director it most recalls to me is John Landis (yeah, go ahead and howl about what a peasant I am). Arcand has the gift of exploring frivolous things in a bleak, gray kind of way, then turning round and exploring the horrors of life with a lighthearted touch.
The cast is, without exception, above average. Thomas Gibson, as David, is outstanding as the moody and self-deceptive center around whom the rest of the characters revolve. He talks a good nihilist, but his actions reflect more love in his character than he is willing to acknowledge. Gibson was already a strong and subtle actor in 1993. It was difficult to look at him and see Greg Montgomery, let alone Agent Hotchner of Criminal Minds.
Perhaps not the best scene, but the one I enjoy most, my "rewind scene," is the section where Candy is expecting a visitor, and one uninvited person after another shows up at the door. As Candy's interpersonal environment swings further and further out of control, David just grows bouncier, perkier, and more enthusiastic, like a gaunt Gen-X "Tigger."
The cast is, without exception, above average. Thomas Gibson, as David, is outstanding as the moody and self-deceptive center around whom the rest of the characters revolve. He talks a good nihilist, but his actions reflect more love in his character than he is willing to acknowledge. Gibson was already a strong and subtle actor in 1993. It was difficult to look at him and see Greg Montgomery, let alone Agent Hotchner of Criminal Minds.
Perhaps not the best scene, but the one I enjoy most, my "rewind scene," is the section where Candy is expecting a visitor, and one uninvited person after another shows up at the door. As Candy's interpersonal environment swings further and further out of control, David just grows bouncier, perkier, and more enthusiastic, like a gaunt Gen-X "Tigger."
I only got this DVD because Netflix decided I would like it. For once, they were right.
The cinematography is breathtaking and Michael Sheen (whom I had only seen previously as Tony Blair in The Queen) was a revelation.
The plot is delivered angst-free, nimbly skirting almost all of the traditionally expected tropes. The soundtrack of British folk artists reminded me somewhat of the "O Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack.
For the first half-hour or so I just bobbed along with the action -- but when Colin heard the windmills singing I just sat there with my jaw dropped, my eyes damp, and my heart completely fulfilled.
Repeatedly, this little gem surprised me with its sparkle. Even the somewhat tacky daytime view of Blackpool dazzled as seen through the travelers' eyes. And the end -- the end is perfect.
The cinematography is breathtaking and Michael Sheen (whom I had only seen previously as Tony Blair in The Queen) was a revelation.
The plot is delivered angst-free, nimbly skirting almost all of the traditionally expected tropes. The soundtrack of British folk artists reminded me somewhat of the "O Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack.
For the first half-hour or so I just bobbed along with the action -- but when Colin heard the windmills singing I just sat there with my jaw dropped, my eyes damp, and my heart completely fulfilled.
Repeatedly, this little gem surprised me with its sparkle. Even the somewhat tacky daytime view of Blackpool dazzled as seen through the travelers' eyes. And the end -- the end is perfect.