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Reviews
Ponette (1996)
A tragic masterpiece.
Although I found this to be one of the most affecting films that I have seen, I was, nevertheless, astounded at the real depth of feeling shown by the young children in this film.
Victoire Thivisol carries absolute sincerity in her portrayal of the recently bereaved young girl, with a realism beyond belief when one considers her tender age. The other children also played their parts with a conviction that would be considered commendable in mature actors with many more years of experience to draw on.
As has been noted elsewhere, the graveside apparition of Marie Trintignant as Ponette's mother does seem a fanciful afterthought to give the story a kind of closure, but it is hard to see how the film could have been brought to a conclusion without a similar contrivance.
Not a film for the overly sentimental, and I include myself. After watching the film, I bought the DVD, but I,m still waiting the right time to rewatch it.
Our Mutual Friend (1976)
Some outstanding performances.
A fine adaption of the book, soon to be available on DVD again. While I found the later 1998 BBC version well played, I think that this version was more powerful in that the characters were really brought to life by the actors in this version.
Many of the key parts were played by actors who were destined later to become household names. Jane Seymour's portrayal of Bella Wilfer was particularly inspired as she made the selfish, shallow, spoiled yet beautiful young woman really live, repelling and attracting at the same time. Lesley Dunlop as Lizzie Hexham made me really wish for her eventual happiness.
Another great role was that of Bradley Headstone who was played by Warren Clarke, familiar to British viewers as the policeman Dalziel in "Dalziel and Pascoe". He put real menace into the part of the disturbed headmaster.
Even the minor roles were played by some of the finest actors of the time, Alfie Bass et al.
This version will be available again from April 2008.
The Outfit (1973)
Following in the footsteps of Point Blank
A good outing for Duvall, who plays a bank-robber newly released from prison, seeking blood money from the Mafia for the death of his brother in a bank raid on a Mafia-owned bank. Together with buddy Joe Don Baker, another old partner in crime, they set off on the trail, acquiring a car, guns and a girl friend for Robert Duvall on the way. Level by level, they wreak a trail of havoc as they shoot their bloody way through the layers of underlings towards Mr Big.
As in all movies in this vein - Point Blank, Payback - the Mafia boss chooses to ignore Duvall's demands for the modest amount of money he wants, despite the mounting body count. Until finally, Duvall and Baker break through the security around the mob bosses' house and then it's payback time.
I eagerly await the release of this great movie on DVD.
Screen Two: Will You Love Me Tomorrow (1987)
Beautifully acted story of a loss of innocence.
Seen once many years ago, this was my introduction to the acting talents of Joanne Whalley.
She plays a disturbed runaway from an institution where she has spent her life following her conviction as a child murderess. With her more worldly wise girl friend, they end up at a seaside resort and meet two boys.
Naively looking for love and affection, she sleeps with her new boy friend only for him to recoil from her and report her to the police on finding out about her past.
The closing shots are of her being arrested by the police, looking totally bewildered that the person who told her that he loved her and to whom she had given her love could betray her in this way.
Her acting, reinforced by the perfectly chosen soundtrack of "Will you still love me tomorrow" has remained with me to this day. I still think her one of Britain's finest actresses and regret that this play is not available on DVD or Video.