"The Manor" seems to have a lot of the right ingredients in place: a manor (duh!), lots of snow outside, beautiful (if small-scale) sets and costumes, murders (or are they accidents?), suspects, conflicting testimonies, and some big names in the cast (the biggest of which, however, Peter O'Toole, appears only for about 5 minutes in total). Unfortuanetely, the film goes off the rails and overstays its welcome (as does the leading man's Inspector Clouseau - like accent). The solution to the mystery is farcical, which I don't necessarily mind; what I DO mind is that it's also a cheat, as in the very first flashback (which does not represent any character's perspective, so that's not an excuse) we see a man falling down the stairs wearing trousers, but at the end it turns out he was wearing....something else. Overall, "The Manor" is a nice try, but no cigar. **1/2 out of 4.
10 Reviews
Rashomon Manque
rstef16 July 2012
This is an example of a movie where some judicious editing would have helped immeasurably.
The first half is an interesting whodunit in which Tomas, a Bohemian detective (well played by Martin Dejdar), attempts to determine the true story behind the death of a servant in the Ravenscroft mansion. His interaction with the mistress of the house, her daughter and governess, and the servants is amusingly prickly for about an hour. Unfortunately, impatience begins to set in when this same cat and mouse, back and forth continues on for another 40 minutes with all parties lying for their own reasons. To make matters worse, the scriptwriter has the inspector become increasingly drunk, an unnecessary plot turn that derails the tone set in the first half and which struck me as being distinctly out of character for Tomas. Ultimately, the resolution is not interesting enough to warrant the time and effort spent reaching it.
There are good performances from the whole cast, though top billed O'Toole is in the film only very briefly in flashbacks as the deceased patriarch. The set design and camera work are wonderful, top honors to art direction. Unfortunately, these positives are counterbalanced by an overlong tale muddled by useless plot contrivances.
The first half is an interesting whodunit in which Tomas, a Bohemian detective (well played by Martin Dejdar), attempts to determine the true story behind the death of a servant in the Ravenscroft mansion. His interaction with the mistress of the house, her daughter and governess, and the servants is amusingly prickly for about an hour. Unfortunately, impatience begins to set in when this same cat and mouse, back and forth continues on for another 40 minutes with all parties lying for their own reasons. To make matters worse, the scriptwriter has the inspector become increasingly drunk, an unnecessary plot turn that derails the tone set in the first half and which struck me as being distinctly out of character for Tomas. Ultimately, the resolution is not interesting enough to warrant the time and effort spent reaching it.
There are good performances from the whole cast, though top billed O'Toole is in the film only very briefly in flashbacks as the deceased patriarch. The set design and camera work are wonderful, top honors to art direction. Unfortunately, these positives are counterbalanced by an overlong tale muddled by useless plot contrivances.
not bad,good performances of black humor play
jimakros1 December 2007
this is based on a stage play and thats what it looks like.Its all shot in interiors of what is supposed to be an English country manor,the action takes place in a few rooms and there's repeatedly cut-between shots of imaginary scenes or other scenes that are not explained until the end of the movie.Most of the plot is related to the main long stairs of the manor and we get to see repeated shots of these stairs to the point that it gets tiring. The good things about this movie are the ladies' performances,which are all above average,O'Toole has a small funny role,if you are a fan of O'Toole this is not anything worthwhile to watch of this great actor.The cinematography is also very nice and so are the sets. This script has a lot of dark humor but its not for everyone's taste. It wasn't bad,but i don't rate it as anything particularly good.Its worth a look though,i watched this and wasn't bored i even laughed in a couple of scenes.
Somewhat silly, occasionally boring
irish238 April 2008
This is one of those pictures where I find myself asking, "Why did so-and-so take this role?" The script is so-so and the direction bizarre at times. The actors are great, working their way through a not-completely-compelling whodunit.
The lead character is a Scotland Yard detective and therefore Must Ask Questions. A *lot* of questions. So there is a repeated pattern of question-answer, question-answer that gets grating after a while. As noted, the actors (especially Greta Scacchi) do a remarkable job of lifting this poor writing off the page and infusing it with wit and meaning.
Altogether I found it an odd film, trying desperately not to be a play (with bizarre editing) instead of just embracing its intimacy. The "mystery" gets buried beneath the direction but it might be something to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon when you're sick in bed.
The lead character is a Scotland Yard detective and therefore Must Ask Questions. A *lot* of questions. So there is a repeated pattern of question-answer, question-answer that gets grating after a while. As noted, the actors (especially Greta Scacchi) do a remarkable job of lifting this poor writing off the page and infusing it with wit and meaning.
Altogether I found it an odd film, trying desperately not to be a play (with bizarre editing) instead of just embracing its intimacy. The "mystery" gets buried beneath the direction but it might be something to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon when you're sick in bed.
Darkly funny version of Kurosawa'a Rashomon
longbaugh444428 March 2001
The Manor, a dark funny version of Akira Kurosawa's " Rashomon" is a spectacularly shot & acted jewel. With an outstanding International Cast (Peter O'Toole, Greta Scacchi, Gabrielle Anwar, Fay Masterson, Martin Dejdar, Laura Harris, Nicholas Ball, Edie McClurg and Mark Huntley.. I had the pleasure of seeing it at a packed cinema in Germany. I really enjoyed seeing Peter O'Toole, described by no less than Anthony Hopkins as the world's greatest living actor. O'Toole gives the kind of comedic performance that we haven't seen from him since "My Favorite Year." Greta Scacchi gives the best and funniest performance of her entire life. But that's not all. There are so many other touches that the director Kenneth Berris gives it and populates the film with the best ensemble women I have ever seen. Fay Masterson, who I have seen in Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut and the wonderful film " The Power Of One" is a tremendously gifted comedienne. I haven't seen anyone like this since the days of Lucille Ball. Gabrielle Anwar , who I remember most from her memorable dance with Al Pacino in Scent of A Woman is luscious and delectable. Then Berris adds to this the great talents of Edie McClurg ( Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Nicholas Ball (Croupier), Laura Harris , who I loved in The Faculty, and the International star of stars, Martin Dejdar who is the new Gerard Depardieu. It's a pricelessly funny situation with more twists than a pretzel. I loved it. I give it 4 stars****
Great period piece with very black humor
harrylongbaugh447 September 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed The Manor. It was much better than anything else I have seen in this genre. The plot is pretty tricky and you have to pay close attention to the various clues you get. I think all of the women have good motives for the killing and the director Kenneth Berris does not tip his hand too early. I liked that kind of restraint. It can also be seen in the texture of the performances. I have seen some of his previous work, mostly on those huge interactive titles in the late nineties like Spycraft, Blown Away, and Eraser Turnabout. I thought he brought that same kind of multiple plot lines that merge into one. The cast: Peter O'Toole, Greta Scacchi, Edie McClurg and Gabrielle Anwar were at the top of their game and the visuals were pretty sumptuous. I would recommend this to people who like dry humor. I also thought Fay Masterson was sensational in the role of Dolly/ It was much better than Gosford Park, which won an Oscar. I give it 5 stars. *****
Merchant-Ivory meets David Mamet meets Monty Python
darkstar-2616 December 2000
I stumbled on this little gem at its Santa Barbara debut. This film is a beautifully shot period piece, very cleverly written and well-directed. I'm looking forward to seeing it again when it comes to an independent theatre in L.A. Peter O'Toole is spellbinding and masterful. Everyone was well-cast. I especially enjoyed Edie McClurg as the cook. How refreshing to see a very intelligent, almost all-woman cast. Bravo to Ken Berris for this quality film!
Simply brilliant...
the_blake9213 April 2002
What an incredibly refreshing film. It was just simply wonderful. Beautiful cinematography, outstanding performances, hilariously dark script. The perfect whodunit with just the perfect amount of wit. Gabrielle Anwar is spellbinding as the icy governess, and Greta Scacchi gives a breakthrough performance; I'd never seen her do comedy and she was simply brilliant. Peter O'Toole was chilling and tremendous, a great part for him. Laura Harris was excellent as the demented daughter of the manor, and Fay Masterson and Edie McClurg played the servant duo with absolute perfection. If you like, comedy, drama, or suspense this is a must-see, it's really a pity that this was not released in America. ****!
Great black comedy whodunit with Oscar Winner Peter O'Toole
nomoreblablabla9 November 2006
This is a real gem. Unknown to most people, this was ten times better than the more reviewed Gosford Park but better in all respects. The acting is solid and the camera-work and visuals are top flight. I highly recommend. Actors like Academy Award winner and legend Peter O'Toole in addition to some real sexy women like Greta Scacchi, Gabrielle Anwar, and Fay Masterson make this very watch- able. I also dare anyone to get ahead of the plot which has more twists than a molecular structure. The thing I really liked best about this is that it broke some of the rules of the genre and did some very inventing camera movement. Also it unveiled a few actors that most European audiences aren't that familiar with. People like Jiri Labus and Martin Dejdar are true pros. It also has some interesting animal scenes. I especially liked the metaphor of the wolves.
WoolyMonkey99
WoolyMonkey99
WhoDunWhat
whoinsamhill-15 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Who done what can be answered thus: Lost man searches for his truth and finds it, with the help of five Manor ladies. The rest of the who done whats serve only to help the lost soul find his truth.
In response to an earlier comment panning the script let me say this:
"The toast of Vienna, there, we all know Patrick was sleeping with her." "I'm a good dancer." "Don't take that tone with me!" "Inspecting Inspector?" "I don't like foreigners."
This to me is the best of all possible scripts!
I have seen the movie thirty times (Walgreen's special) and still don't understand the metaphor of the wolves! But I know what I like.
"What is the second coffin for?" "I didn't know Scotland yard accepted checks." "I didn't expect someone with such a dusky hue."
My favorite movie of all time! The Manor
In response to an earlier comment panning the script let me say this:
"The toast of Vienna, there, we all know Patrick was sleeping with her." "I'm a good dancer." "Don't take that tone with me!" "Inspecting Inspector?" "I don't like foreigners."
This to me is the best of all possible scripts!
I have seen the movie thirty times (Walgreen's special) and still don't understand the metaphor of the wolves! But I know what I like.
"What is the second coffin for?" "I didn't know Scotland yard accepted checks." "I didn't expect someone with such a dusky hue."
My favorite movie of all time! The Manor
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