I was looking forward to this film having heard a play on radio about Ruskin and Effie, but didn't know the full story.
Unfortunately the opening scenes weren't promising, with some wooden acting from the actress playing Effie (why not cast a British actress? A stilted false accent obviously affected her performance) Also. the actor playing Ruskin has one expression and one tone of voice throughout the film.
It doesn't get much better and carries on slowly, dull and boring with slow, boring performances from most of the cast (with the exception of David Suchet).
There are a few things unexplained: what was the medicine Ruskin's mother gave Effie that made her sleepy/ ill? And why did she give it? Why did Ruskin senior say to Ruskin, we warned you about that girl yet you married her? Why did the Ruskins seem unhappy at the Eastlakes visit?
It actually picks up towards the very end (yes, I kept watching) when Effie confides in Lady Eastlake (a very orange and tanned Ms Thompson - completely wrong look for the time). And things finally move on. This is about 15 minutes before the end. The story should have started here and continued with her next marriage.
Apparently the film had a huge budget (spent on what?) and recouped a mere fraction. I'm not surprised. The poor acting and script lets it down. A poor example of British film making.
Unfortunately the opening scenes weren't promising, with some wooden acting from the actress playing Effie (why not cast a British actress? A stilted false accent obviously affected her performance) Also. the actor playing Ruskin has one expression and one tone of voice throughout the film.
It doesn't get much better and carries on slowly, dull and boring with slow, boring performances from most of the cast (with the exception of David Suchet).
There are a few things unexplained: what was the medicine Ruskin's mother gave Effie that made her sleepy/ ill? And why did she give it? Why did Ruskin senior say to Ruskin, we warned you about that girl yet you married her? Why did the Ruskins seem unhappy at the Eastlakes visit?
It actually picks up towards the very end (yes, I kept watching) when Effie confides in Lady Eastlake (a very orange and tanned Ms Thompson - completely wrong look for the time). And things finally move on. This is about 15 minutes before the end. The story should have started here and continued with her next marriage.
Apparently the film had a huge budget (spent on what?) and recouped a mere fraction. I'm not surprised. The poor acting and script lets it down. A poor example of British film making.