I've always considered myself a dreamer. Even at times when it seemed nothing so much as a serious of impossibilities and uncertain outcomes. "Housekeeping" is a film that understands these feelings, drives, longings. It's the conflict that damages the narrative in the end, however. There's an undercurrent of emotional unease that keeps any more poetic sensibilities from fully finding their way to the surface. There are such stunning passages, quiet moments. The cinematography by Michael Coulter is absolutely beautiful. Bill Forsyth takes the story to many wonderful, living places.
Sara Walker and Andrea Burchill are wonderful as the two sisters. Christine Lahti is great as Sylvie. Although the film is narrated by the character of Ruth, I would have liked to see it more from her eyes, rather than wandering as it does. This is a very, very good film, don't get me wrong. But the potential of more feels very much pushing at the borders. I wanted more, and I got it at certain passages. There are certainly a lot of excellent things at play here. This is worth seeking out.
Sara Walker and Andrea Burchill are wonderful as the two sisters. Christine Lahti is great as Sylvie. Although the film is narrated by the character of Ruth, I would have liked to see it more from her eyes, rather than wandering as it does. This is a very, very good film, don't get me wrong. But the potential of more feels very much pushing at the borders. I wanted more, and I got it at certain passages. There are certainly a lot of excellent things at play here. This is worth seeking out.