Portrait of a Lady
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VHS Movie Reviews of Portrait of a Lady
Movie Review: Portrait of Lady via John Malkovich
Summary: 4 Stars
The problem with this movie, besides the need for Nicole Kidman to have better motivation and understanding of her role, is Mr. John playing the same OLD CHARACTER he's played over and over and over. After the film,"Dangerous Liasions," his skills as an actors have not changed. His voice inflections are the same, his condesending snarl is the same and his boring cruelty is the same. Bottom line, his acting is predictable and tired.
However, the film captures the story pretty well and it is visually wonderful. As this is one of her earlier roles, Nicole K. would have benefitted with some personal tutoring and inspiration, but playing against John M. doing the same role he always plays makes it a bit difficult to rise above.
I love the visual use of the "flutter" of Nicole Kidman's skirt as an analogy to her "caged" life.
The other actors are simply wonderful, especially Shelley Duvall and Barbara Hershey, whose works seem to transcend any type of catorgorizing. She is a jewel.
Despite its flaws, I loved the film. I just try and pretend Malkovich isn't in it. I wish he would get over his preening, self-absorbed vocal inflections.
Movie Review: A LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL PERIOD PIECE...
Summary: 3 Stars
While this is a lush and beautiful period piece, the problem with it is that it is somewhat dull. Despite stellar performances by John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey, and the supporting cast, the main star, Nicole Kidman, is out of her league, though she is a luminous beauty and has some acting ability. The problem is that her performance lacks the presence or depth necessary to make this a truly interesting film. She just is not good enough an actress to be able to carry the storyline and engage the viewer. It is unfortunate, as the film is an otherwise good adaptation of Henry James' novel of the same name.Movie Review: Beautiful, but somehow lacking
Summary: 3 Stars
I was very familiar with the novel by James before watching the movie, which was both good and bad for my enjoyment of the movie. The acting is very solid throughout, with John Malcovitch excelling in his role of a shallow, but charismatic man with an obsessive need to control the people he considers his. But I wonder if we're not given enough of the depth of the novel to explain Isabelle's reasoning and motivations. It's possible that the novel can't be captured, despite a director's good intentions. The prologue and the strange take on some scenes were odd, but did present an interesting twist to the story, and they didn't bother me. However, I think there is a slow pace that builds effectively, and a slow pace that will loose the viewer. Unfortunatly, for many stretches in the movie, I found myself drifting, looking out the window, picking up a book for a moment...not captured by what was going on on screen. The final half-hour is wonderful, but getting there may take a lot of patience.Movie Review: IN LOVE WITH VALENTINA CERVI
Summary: 3 Stars
Nicole Kidman surprised me in this role. She is not all glamour. She has a deep acting ability, and while this film was not all that well received by critics or audiences, her performance was stunning. Also beautiful here was the young girl, Valentina Cervi (who is luminous in the film Artemisia) who portrays John Malkovich's daughter. This is based on Henry James's novel of the same title, and Jane Campion (who directed The Piano) delivers a faithful and convincing adaptation.Movie Review: Sublime and haunting
Summary: 5 Stars
Just got this one on DVD (had the VHS copy) and have fallen in love with the film all over again. Without a doubt, this is Nicole Kidman's finest performance. Jane Campion's direction is fascinating. The opening sequence (set in modern day) of all the women talking about being kissed and the haunting score give me chills everytime I watch it. Barbara Hershey is brilliant as the devious Madame Merle. Seeing this in widescreen format with the digital sound is amazing. A must have for any DVD collection.