I was a bit surprised by "A Canterbury Tale", as it obviously was well made (after all, it was a Powell/Pressburger Production--having both written and directed it as well)--and this team made marvelous films. Yet, despite all its good parts, the whole picture just didn't work for me--mostly because it lacked a good story and some of the acting was downright embarrassing.
The film is set in the English countryside during WWII. An occasionally dim-witted American bumpkin (sort of like a slightly smarter version of Gomer Pyle--terribly overplayed by an amateur American actor in his only film) gets off the train bound for Canterbury at the wrong stop. As a result, he's stuck in a country town until he's able to find his way to his destination. In addition, an English soldier and young lady also get off the train there. Soon they are embroiled in a rather irrelevant plot involving a weirdo who runs around throwing glue in ladies' hair in the darkness of the blackout! Talk about a stupid plot. But, as the plot really was seemingly unnecessary for the film and it's all just an excuse to make a film about the war effort, the wonderfulness of country life, camaraderie with the Americans and the similarities of all good people. Frankly, this was VERY frustrating as the film was wonderfully made in so many ways--great direction, lovely music, terrific camera work and a nice feel for the heartland of England...but no real story...none. So, I guess for a film with no real plot, a score of 6 is actually very good!
I see that most reviewers really liked this film and some even adored it. Because of that, I felt pretty awkward about not liking the film, though Bob the Moo's usually thought-provoking review gave me some consolation--at least Bob saw some of the same problems I saw with the film! And, considering his excellent reviews, that puts me in pretty good company.
The film is set in the English countryside during WWII. An occasionally dim-witted American bumpkin (sort of like a slightly smarter version of Gomer Pyle--terribly overplayed by an amateur American actor in his only film) gets off the train bound for Canterbury at the wrong stop. As a result, he's stuck in a country town until he's able to find his way to his destination. In addition, an English soldier and young lady also get off the train there. Soon they are embroiled in a rather irrelevant plot involving a weirdo who runs around throwing glue in ladies' hair in the darkness of the blackout! Talk about a stupid plot. But, as the plot really was seemingly unnecessary for the film and it's all just an excuse to make a film about the war effort, the wonderfulness of country life, camaraderie with the Americans and the similarities of all good people. Frankly, this was VERY frustrating as the film was wonderfully made in so many ways--great direction, lovely music, terrific camera work and a nice feel for the heartland of England...but no real story...none. So, I guess for a film with no real plot, a score of 6 is actually very good!
I see that most reviewers really liked this film and some even adored it. Because of that, I felt pretty awkward about not liking the film, though Bob the Moo's usually thought-provoking review gave me some consolation--at least Bob saw some of the same problems I saw with the film! And, considering his excellent reviews, that puts me in pretty good company.