ursulahemard Reviews

Tchaikovsky's Wife (2022)

Very disappointing ... insulting script ... all about sex

[1/10 · 19 February 2023]

Ugh ... disappointment of the last few years ... despite some very beautiful cinematographic ideas ... the script is despicable : this movie is a disguised propaganda against homosexuality ... I nearly threw up towards the ending ... I'm still so upset ... They highjacked Tchaikovsky's tragic marriage story and packaged it up as a costume drama ... but clearly to make a picture of the composer and other homosexual men as mean opportunistic vilains ... you don't learn anything about him nor her nor about the historical circumstances etc. .... There's no music either ... It's a pitiful recount how a woman desperately tries to have sex with a man who is clearly not into it AND who told her so from the very beginning: marriage yes but only as a brother!

In the movie they even make allusions that it's not normal if a man doesn't want to shag a woman if he sees her naked .... how on earth did this get selected in Cannes is beyond my comprehension...

The Emperor's Club (2002)

Mister Hundert's questions for all of you history buffs ....

[10/10 · 2 August 2017]

Who was Shutruk-Nakhunte? *** Who was Hamilcar Barca? *** What does 'alea iacta est' mean? *** What does the expression 'Crossing the Rubicon' mean? *** Which King of Egypt presented Pompey the Great's head to Julius Caesar? *** What are the effects of the Gracchan crisis on the development of the republic? *** What were the contributions of the Five Good Emperors? *** Which Emperor sought to return all power to the Senat only to utter even bigger power? *** Who introduced the professional army to Rome? *** On which Roman hill was the infamous Tarpeian rock? *** Who were the first emperors to rule over the divided Empire? *** Which general had the support of the aristocrats of the civil war of 88 AD? *** In how many administrative regions did Augustus divide Rome? *** Who was routed at Philippi? *** Who was Rome's last Emperor deposed in 476 AD by Odeacer? *** What year was the Roman army crushed at lake Trasimene? *** Who was the last Emperor of the Western Empire? *** Which tribes invaded Rome in 102 BC? ************** If we missed one, please add to the comments! Thank you and enjoy!

Wagner (1983)

In Paris every Opera MUST have a Ballet, Monsieur Wagner!!!

[8/10 · 9 July 2015]

ouff… I made it … a 9 hours series (and I never watch series!) very pompously made about a very pompous Richard Wagner played by an equally pompous Richard Burton.

Produced truly on an epic scale! Wagner composed some beautiful melodies but the majority of his music is just so loud, overbearing and far too aggressive to my taste … he must have been the Motörhead of his generation. Sitting through a full length Wagner Opera is torture to me, so the snippets of his music and arias here and there accompanying the movie/story were just enough. My love for Richard Burton and the historical curiosity kept me going, but to be honest, I only recommend this to hard-core Wagnerians or those who appreciate a good historical period drama.

Sets and costumes are beautifully authentic and gorgeously visualised, although with some abrupt editing. It is historically and biographically lovingly accurate and one does learn a lot about the historical events, the composer's private and professional life and how these influenced his creations. Many other well known actors such as Vanessa Redgrave and Sir Laurence Olivier play key roles. Despite the movies' length, we only enter Wagner's life when he is already in his early 30s. Chronologically starting around the 1848 German Revolution, through his exile in Switzerland, his relationship with his young and romantic but very influential groupie, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who became one of his main patrons, to his travels to Paris and Venice as well as his last triumph in Bayreuth and death. Wagners' radical and revolutionary political ideas, his anti-Semitisim and German nationalism are set in context with his musical dream of grandeur. His ultimate fall out with Nietzsche is interesting to read up on in more detail.

I was never bored nor impatient and actually enjoyed it. Of course, as a balletomane, my favourite passage was the depiction of the quarrels between Wagner and Marius Petipa at the Opera de Paris, concerning that 'every Opera in Paris MUST have a Ballet and that it HAS to be in the 2nd act for the important gentlemen patrons of the town to enjoy' … therefore Wagner calls the 'ballet-master' the 'whore-master' and decided provocatively to put the ballet into the 1st act ... made me giggle.

The Whole Wide World (1996)

historically and biographically accurate

[8/10 · 26 May 2015]

This is actually a very lovely movie indeed. Everybody has heard of the pulp fiction stories of Conan the Barbarian but only hard core fans do know the story behind its writer Robert E. Howard, who created this fantasy hero in 1932. Unfortunately he died at the age of only 30. In his short very productive life he enjoyed literary success but had also, though inspiring and romantic, a not quite fulfilling love affair with Novalyne Price Ellis. The movie is historically and biographically correct. Very prettily filmed and characterisations seem to be truthful with accents and all. I definitely learned something new and enjoyed the skillful and atmospheric movie-making.

Rembrandt (1999)

You are invited to step into a Rembrandt painting and live in it for 106 minutes

[10/10 · 8 May 2015]

Absolutely loved it! I can't fathom why movies like this are not well known to the masses. Rembrandt's life from his mid 20's to his death played by Klaus Maria Brandauer is a bulls- eye. He is one of the most talented, prolific and high caliber contemporary Austrian actors and I always loved his performances on stage and on screen. He is mesmerising and believably characterises the artist. The movie is biographically and historically totally accurate which I appreciate enormously. I loved the didactic story telling, this is how an intelligent BIOPIC ought to be. All acting is fittingly theatrical and very well cast with many very well known French actors. The cinematography is astounding; colours and lighting are sumptuous just like Rembrandt's paintings. Many everyday scenes are staged as if coordinated after the painters works which means that the 'trompe-l'oeil' dioramas are perfectly orchestrated, much to my personal ravishment. Many of Rembrandt's canvasses are depicted and some even with a 'mise-en-scène' how they came to be. Beautiful! Important historical figurers are interacting with Rembrandt and teach us about his life and his character development. We learn about his triumphs, tragedies and important female relationships through an arty movie which transfers us into the 17th century Dutch Republic accompanied with a perfectly chosen score. Highly recommended to Art-Freaks and Movie-Buffs!

El Greco (2007)

El Greco's 'Portrait of a Cardinal' is PROBABLY (and is still not confirmed as of today!!) that of Cardinal Fernando Nino de Guevara - c1600

[5/10 · 7 May 2015]

Hailed by the Greek Film Industry as a masterpiece and having received so many prices, I was rather disappointed. Based on a biographical novel by a Greek writer of the 20th century, El Greco's life is very much fictionalised and a tad distorted. The entire plot is misleading from facts right from the beginning: it starts in a prison cell, where El Greco is writing down his life whilst awaiting a Spanish Inquisition hearing after being apparently of blasphemy.. But, this never happened. The painter has never been accused by the Tribunal of the Holy Office, but he was invited a few times as a translator to Greek prisoners. Which obviously makes sense as El Greco made Toledo, Spain, his home until his death, where he produced most part of his work, inclusive so many with religious themes. He would have never been able to do so if he would have been in conflict with the Grand Inquisitor of Spain, Nino de Guevara. This historical and biographical inaccuracy made me already so angry that I might be a bit biased in judging the rest of the movie. The movie is very slow and although I normally like voice overs, this actors intonations are blunt and dragging. We learn about El Greco's cretan origins; his fleeing from a rebellion to Venice; his meeting of Titian; some interactions with existed real life characters, and ultimately his settling down in Toledo, Spain; his relationship with Jerónima de Las Cuevas, his common law wife and the mother of his only son. It looks that these biographical facts are accurate. This is a pompous romantic costume drama with some action for sure, which was the part I liked best, but not enough paintings elaborated. The soundtrack by Greek electronic composer Vangelis creates a modern atmosphere which again, gives the movie a rather HBO-series effect than a big screen Film Festival favourite. All in all, B+ for effort only … but could have been much better. Should have been much better! What a genius of a man, with a very interesting life as it is, to make a movie about his life if they only would stick to the true story and use his colours and lights and many many of his paintings!

Anna Karenina (I) (2012)

a stylised caricature of the book, a sort of humoristic variation on a theme

[5/10 · 20 March 2013]

Well, to my own surprise, I actually did not think that it was bad :-P

What I liked the most is that every scene (with the exception of the shagging) was taken from the book. There were even dialogues quasi word by word from the book. So no literary distortions nor added directors' fantasies in the plot. And I honestly very much do appreciate that!!! Unfortunately the book is 800 pages and therefore many scenes were left out, that's why for someone who has not read the book, the movie seems to be randomly cut together. But it's not, it's just that important scenes and characters are missing in between the scenes from the movie (let's say about 2/3 of the book :-)) which would actually explain the character development and links. Also, there is no time to incorporate the questioning of all the social political aspects and feudalism as well as religion, ethics and the meaning of life, which are constantly reoccurring themes in the book. It was the time boiling up to the uprising. And the question about women's rights and duties, etc.

The movie is a stylised caricature of the book, a sort of humoristic variation on a theme, but in a charming way. The juxtaposing of the narrative in a theatre with the real-life shots, is clearly hinting from the very start that this movie is setting the plot 'on stage' and I thought that it was quite cleverly made. Also, costumes, sets and sound are all 21st century exaggerations of 19th century Russia, nothing authentic, but without falling into tasteless kitsch. The dancing at the ball was pretty hilarious because it did not seem to me pretentious but rather burlesque. The movie-making is obviously influenced by Baz Luhrman and MTV, etc., seems to be in fashion now...

The characters were age-wise rightly cast, and were 'novel-conform' directed. I'm not a fan of Keira Knightly, and I have always seen Anna as someone more settled, soft, dreamy, calm, sophisticated, sensual, voluptuous, smart, witty and a tad cynical with a hint of haughtiness (and KK does not exactly fit). I preferred Sophie Marceau, but unfortunately she played in a movie-version where the entire story got changed.

Reading the book I very much liked Oblonsky despite being a philanderer, but he comes out in the movie rather as a clown, saying that I thought that Matthew Macfadyen did a brilliant job.

I can't stand Levin in the novel, but he turns out to be the 'good' guy in the movie (which is nonsense for he's very conservative, seigniorial, superior, ignorant, against invention and can't stand babies, etc. in short, a very boring man) ...but probably only if you haven't read the book.... I loved the scene when Levin is proposing to Kitty through the letter-game...exactly like in the book!

Jude Law was very good as Karenin, but here again, by having omitted some important dialogues from the book between Karenin and other people, his character does not reveal much in the movie... shame.

To cut it short, there are three different kind of marriages/love depicted in the book to observe and discuss. In the movie we get a glimpse of 2 but are predominantly focusing on Anna & Vronsky. It's not exactly what Tolstoy wanted, that's why the book is 800 pages. In the book, in the end, the question is left unanswered, for the definitions of 'love', 'loving' and the values of marriage are very individual and incomparable. The movie puts the main protagonists in a bad light and sends the message that the 'surviving' couple is the 'real' one, which in my opinion is humbug. It's none's right to judge. So that left a bitter taste in my mouth, but the movie was made for the mass-market and probably with a hidden religious message of morals to the innocent public...

this is not very elaborate... but I thought the movie was enjoyable, a one-time entertainment, but better to read the book first!

Heart Beat (1980)

Cassady would have liked Nolte's interpretation of himself!

[7/10 · 9 November 2012]

Not exactly a biopic but rather a potpourri loosely based on Carloyn Cassady's memoires and Jack Kerouac's autobiographical novel 'OnThe Road'. A tad too neat and tidy for me, and I did miss many of the very specific jazzy references and descriptions in the book as soundtrack. And that's not pardonable! On the other hand, they added some soundtrack which was not fitting at all. Shame. Usually a great actress, Sissy Spacek was less impressive as a figure of the so called 'Beat Generation'. She seemed to me too bourgeois and not quite in character. I haven't read Caroly's memories though and in Jack's book she's one of the many important but rather peripheral characters.

However! having had cast Nick Nolte as Neal Cassady and John Heard as Jack Kerouac was a bullseye in my opinion. I imagined the two lads exactly this way whilst reading the book. Great interpretations and chemistry. Gorgeous cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs, but maybe I'm being too patriotic :-) Despite all my criticism, I definitely recommend it to those who read the book, you'll pick up the references with a smile.

Bel Ami (2012)

Events happen very fast, it's mainly fully understandable to those who have actually read, loved, discussed and grasped the novel!

[8/10 · 4 June 2012]

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!!!…having read the book not only once, in German but also in French, I was impressed by this movie adaptation of the French classic novel by Guy de Maupassant (5 August 1850 – 6 July 1893) .

I must admit however, that the events happen very fast (it is very hard to pack such an intense and complex story into 160minutes) and it's mainly fully understandable to those who have actually read, loved, discussed and grasped the novel. The movie incorporates many swift innuendos and hints at passages taken directly from the novel. It is is very accurate to, and there are even scenes and dialogues straight from, the novel. The relevant essence of 19th century French society rules is obvious. And even though the director skips some of the specific historical and political details, the viewer gets indications and references to catch on. The actors/characters from the book, especially the ladies in question, couldn't be cast more perfectly Uma Thurman, the immaculate representation of Madeleine int he novel, Kristin Scott- Thomas, ditto as Virginie with her age, looks and temperament and Christina Ricci, down-to- earth, less intellectual but utterly sensual (maybe with a little exception of Ricci who played Clotilde's character perfectly, but should have been more voluptuous physically).

Robert Pattinson impersonated the poor protagonist George Duroy, without name nor heritage, however street-smart and snobbish, yet still sensitive and compassionate arriviste George Duroy, just as I imagined so many years ago upon reading the book. You might despise or pity, but you will always love him in the meantime. Beautiful authentic settings, costumes and props and the soundtrack just gets under your the skin, courtesy of . If you still question Robert Pattison as an actor (which I did, but do no more) then at least you may praise the direction of Declan Donnellan & Nick Ormerod…. for … the movie is simply…very good, VERY Good indeed...

Wilde (1997)

Very tender port railer by Stephen Fry

[8/10 · 1 June 2012]

A very tender portrayal of Oscar Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900) by Stephen Fry; Stephen literally seems to be Oscars reincarnation and Jude Law as Bosie is just perfect casting.Great chemistry between the two.

Concentrating rather on the 'drama',and mainly on the incriminating homosexuality in the playwrights life, of which one ought to be familiarised a little before watching. Some mild but explicit fornication scenes weren't necessary and could have been omitted in my opinion (as well as a couple of scenes with the hysterical father of Bosie) and replaced these with more instructive clips in reference to Oscars plays and poetry. We were being taking through 'The Selfish Giant', as well as some of his most famous epigrams (slipped into conversations), however I was missing a few more literary references.

But all in all, a fine film, brilliant acting and biographically and historically accurate, although somewhat shortened.

Nora (2000)

Historically accurate, biographically a bit amputated, but that only hardcore Joyce's fans will notice.

[7/10 · 1 June 2012]

Ewan McGregor, at almost 30, is playing a 22 year old James Joyce (2 February 1882 – 13 January 1941) from the moment Joyce meets Nora in Dublin, his future companion and later in life wife and mother of his 2 children. The movie depicts only the first 5-7 years of their tumultuous, tempestuous, sexually charged, possessive and jealousy filled relationship. It is the time when Joyce was struggling to get his novel 'Dubliners' printed which eventually did happen in 1914. It is the story of the young couple's self-imposed exile to the continent: to Trieste, today in Italy. The dramatisation is influenced by Joyce's short story 'The Dead' which is a novelette about a married couple. A passionate costume drama, but at times quite melancholic which is underlined by the dim/sepia cinematography.

Not many literary references of his published work however insight into the lovers erotic correspondence, the epistolary 'love-making' they had when ever they were separated. I thought that was extremely stimulating! Therefore, I decided to read Joyce's love-letters-to- Nora, rather than re-trying for the Xth time 'Ulysses' which I somehow never manage to finish.

Ewan McGregor is sincerely a brilliant actor, and as a Scotsman he pretty much fooled me with his strong Irish accent, but then again, there were moments, I would have loved to have English subtitles for my own untrained ears.

Historically accurate, biographically a bit amputated, but that only hardcore Joyce's fans will notice.

Verbally and visually the movie is sexually explicit, so for me it's 18+.

This is a movie for anyone who read Joyce or is into emotionally charged period dramas. —

Henry & June (1990)

unfortunately totally overlooked by the public what a shame...

[10/10 · 19 March 2012]

This film was originally not intended as a biopic in the historical sense of the word but it captures wonderfully the ambiance of the creative, artistic, and debauched Paris in the 1930's.

It is narrated by Anais Nin (February 21, 1903 – January 14, 1977) and depicts her meeting with Henry Valentine Miller (December 26, 1891 – June 7, 1980) and his wife June. Their encounter provoked and inspired many literary works of the two today well known writers. The cast is admirably fitting for every intriguing late real-life character. The exquisite cinematography, which reminds us of early sepia photographs, takes us into a marvelously smoky and sultry atmosphere, and the perfectly accurate period costumes and props, as well as the stylishly chosen soundtrack (a must buy CD!), are all flawlessly foregrounded by the slow- paced, yet captivating story line.

The plot is a blend of biographical and fictional facts, Anais' later published sensual diaries and Henry's bawdy 'Tropic of Cancer'. I'm not quite sure how much liberty was taken by the director of the historical facts, though it seemed pretty accurate to me, and having have read Henry's and Anais' books, I was very happy to see that my visual imagery is very close to this movie. Even though heavily dramatized, we do learn about the real life characters' inner turmoils, interactions and inspirations. Some literary quotes, monologues and dialogs references both their works. The movie also contains other hints of other contemporary, today well known, artists like painters, photographers and movie-makers.

The movie is artsy, very sensual, at times verbally and visually blunt in a sexually explicit, though always aesthetically stylized way. Despite of that, it is NOT about sexual obsession, as so many insensitive critics wrote, but rather an uninhibited and bold sensual exploration, mentally as well as carnally (definitely not for the young, 18+!).

The luscious eroticism, melancholic exoticism and mental stimulation makes one's blood rouse and titillates all the senses…and I repeat ALL the senses…Brilliant! One of my favourite movies…unfortunately totally overlooked by the public…what a shame...

Shame (2011)

no 'no-shame' but rather clinical depression

[6/10 · 24 February 2012]

I went to see the notorious 'Shame' and... was not shocked at all, not as all the hyper media excitedly predicted.

The title SHAME is a clever marketing trick to lure all the voyeurs in us into the cinema, for the protagonist has no 'no shame' but is clinically depressed, which is ultimately a medical illness. It's about a guy, who ought to see the doc, swallow a few pills to balance his hormones out and look for therapy.

It is an interesting movie, very nicely filmed and engagingly acted, and to see Michael Fassbender walking around naked was rather titillating. He's a very good looking and appetizing 30 something lad, but I could do without watching him pee. Even though visually very explicit, there is no violence, rape, vulgarity, ephebophilia, pedophilia, SM, fetish, etc. It's just about a guy who is shagging, without any kinkiness, the ones who go for it without any emotional attachment and dispatches the Ladies in question right after. If he gets personally involved, he can't perform, so he goes back to mechanical, random, anonymous, sometimes even paid, sex again. A very lonely guy who either picks up women or watches porn in his spare-time (whilst being successful in his job!).

Carey Mulligan's talent is completely wasted here with the exception of her singing performance...that was very touching and engaging...

Nothing new nor outrageous in this movie and in the 21st century, we all know, that there are thousands and thousands of men like the protagonist out there....rather sad...

now, they ought to film the female version of it...for that exists as well...

The Sheltering Sky (1990)

Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's love letter to Morocco

[8/10 · 21 February 2012]

Not exactly a Biopic in the proper sense of the word, but an adaption of the autobiographical and massively dramatised novel by the American author, composer and translator Paul Frederic Bowles (December 30, 1910 – November 18, 1999). In 1947 Bowles settled in Morocco, with his wife, Jane Bowles (February 22, 1917 – May 4, 1973) who was an American writer and playwright in her own right. Not having read the book, it's too difficult to me to comment on its truthfulness, however we know that Paul Bowles was cooperating with the screenwriters, it is he who is narrating the film and even appears in a cameo role. It's the story about a couple's search for stimulation not only within their fading passion and closeness but also for their creativity and productivity. Ultimately, from the personal point of view, this turns out to be a sad enterprise, thinking that the constant traveling and external visual changes would rekindle their evaporated love and disconnection; it's a shortsighted forced-upon chase after illusions.

John Malkovich and Debra Winger are not the usual Hollywood-like physically attractive love couple 'a la Barbie and Ken' nevertheless it was beautifully exciting to watch them perpetually connect and disconnect mentally and physically. As soon as the protagonist dies, that's when the biopic turns into fiction, as Bowles kept on living till 1999. I was wondering if he wrote this scenario as a sort of a metaphor reflecting on his own life and dismantling relationship.

From the famous and truly extraordinary Italian cinematographer, Vittorio Storaro's view, this is a declaration of love to Morocco and its impressive and breathtaking landscapes, culture and nomadic life; a magnificent visual feast and one may even smell all the spices, swatting flies, feel the grit of sand between the teeth, start sweating and get one's blood boiling, not only due to the local heat but also to the carnal sultriness, whilst watching the screen!

Full frontal nudity and a few sensual yet tasteful very erotic scenes and therefore I rate it 16+.

The gorgeous main-theme of the soundtrack is a total tearjerker to me...for sentimentalists only!

Noticed that they drink a lot of MUMM Champagne, oh! how French, and that Eric Vu-An, famous Ballet dancer and ex Etoile de L'Opera de Paris had a secondary very seductive role in this typical Bertolucci epic.

Sylvia (2003)

historically accurate, biographically a tad chopped yet insightful

[8/10 · 6 February 2012]

Pretty good indeed! It's the first time that Gwyneth Paltrow really impressed me; she interprets wonderfully Sylvia Plath (October 27, 1932 – February 11, 1963) in this historically accurate biopic of the clinically depressed and bipolar poetess who committed suicide at the early age of 30.

Even though the story starts in Cambridge, at the University where the 20 something year old Sylvia was studying, right when she meets the poet and writer Ted Hughes, there are enough hints to learn about her previous tormented life as well.

The movie depicts how the two like-minded, Sylvia and Ted Hughes (a very good Daniel Craig), fall in love, encouraging and inspiring each other passionately in the same literary field. Ultimately though, the submitted woman, dutiful wife and naturally responsible mother of two is hindered to fully let herself flourish artistically and becomes a shadow to her internationally successful, admired and philandering husband. The movie is focusing mainly on this part and I regret a bit that were not more literary hints of her own haunting and heartfelt work for besides of being a neat and conscientious housewife and caretaker, for she did write during this time. Therefore, biographically a tad chopped to my taste.

Later many feminists accused Ted Hughes of having had jeopardised Sylvia's creativity and even boycotted her to be successful out of fear of competition, I guess a little bit in the same way as August Rodin stepped on Camille Claudel.

Beautifully filmed with the colours and shades of a 50's movie and the touching soundtrack suits perfectly, setting the right mood to the individual frames and some recited poems.

Some nudity but not too repulsively graphic sex scenes, consequently watchable to the interested Teenager who's not afraid of some desolate melancholia and gloominess; my 14 year old daughter loves Gwyneth and watched this movie not only once.

Immortal Beloved (1994)

historically and biographically inaccurate

[3/10 · 23 January 2012]

Not at all convinced. Why? Because this movie has numerous historical inaccuracies aka no chronological order: Ludwig van Beethoven's (17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) total deafness occurs far too early, LvB is conducting personally works he actually never did, composing works in the wrong time order, etc. In addition to that, the movie takes too many liberties, to my taste, about the biographical facts, and to imply that that famous love-letter, written by LvB to his 'Immortal Beloved', would be ultimately his sister-in-law is just utterly preposterous. That letter was written and could have been addressed to several very well known ladies, we meet some of them during the movie, nevertheless no absolute certainty was proved until today. But it's most certainly not his sister-in-law, with whom he had so many conflicts and legal battles over years. The idea that LvB composed the 9th for his sister- in-law as a-forgive-me-for-making-your-life-a-hell is the director's personal fabrication and so is the feeble ending.

Also, there is much more to LvB than his 5th, 9th and the Pathetique and it's a shame that even these were cut into bits and pieces and added here and there without any musicality to the frames, but rather as background music.

There is short scene when a white pianist is accompanied by a black violinist playing the Kreutzer Sonata; it did ring a bell but I had to look it up. The 'mulatto' violinist was supposed to be George Bridgetower (11 October 1778–29 February 1860) an Afro-Polish-born virtuoso who had a quite tempestuous professional relationship with LvB. Such a shame that this was not more elaborately depicted in the movie. That could have been a great instructive scene.

LvB is quite distorted here and even the great actor Gary Oldman can't save his dignity nor the voluptuous and expensive production. Actually Mr Oldman is over the top but I blame it on the pathetic direction.

Watchable for the young, but not very instructive.

p.s. Hearing the gorgeous Isabella Rossellini speak a couple of sentences in Hungarian made me smile :-)

Miss Austen Regrets (2007 TV Movie)

Biographically not fully bullet-proofed but historical events are accurate

[7/10 · 14 January 2012]

Jane Austen's (16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817) last few years, gorgeously filmed and directed, just as it would be one of her own creations, with the difference that her novels end with 'happy endings', like love and marriage, whilst Austen died at 42 unmarried and depending on her family. One does wonder why Austen, whose very witty and vibrant (though social-critical) books are about women and the necessity of marriage for a social and financial security at her time, never married!?!

This movie is apparently very closely based on the few remaining letters between Jane, her sister Cassandra and her favourite niece Fanny; an assumption of those very intimate and loving letters, a sort of a hypothesis that Jane chose not to marry of her own, by refusing several marriage proposals to be able to write and for her 'freedom'. It is a very emancipated and 21st Century feminist friendly theory. Some hard- core Austen historians still insist though, that Jane never married because, in her very youth, she refused a marriage proposal from a very rich yet ugly, old and dull man...Mr Bigg...and then she was never asked again...for her no Mr. Darcy came along.

Therefore, biographically not fully bullet-proofed but historical events are accurate.

Love the many quotes incorporated in the movie!

I've never heard of Olivia Williams but I must say she earned all my admiration and will look out for her past and future works! Great actress!

If you like BBC period dramas or even Jane Austen's novels adaptations, then you most certainly will enjoy this; a great family-movie which will inspire the interested Teenager to read Jane Austen novels...(so I hope!)

Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle (1994)

A speedy, sharp and jazzy experience by a star-cast!

[9/10 · 13 January 2012]

Dorothy Parker (August 22, 1893 – June 7, 1967) , the embodiment of the witty, cynical and intellectual Flapper par excellence.

You have to stay constantly alert to be able to fully enjoy the very swift, sharp-witted, spicy dialogues, the intellectual, anti-conventional and revolutionary verbal ping-pong between 1920' writers, dramaturges, playwrights and poets during the very much 'alcoholised' prohibition period. It depicts the members of the Algonquin Round Table, a celebrated group of New York City writers, critics, actors and wits, a sort of an American response to 1920' Paris artists congregation. We learn about Dorothy's beginning as an editor and journalist, her lovers, husbands, collaborators and her move to Hollywood. The events (filmed in colour) are juxtaposed with brief black and white insets in which Jennifer Jason Leigh is reciting Dorothy's beautifully haunting poems to immerse us into the thoughts and persona of the famous writer.

My compliments to the Soundtrack and editing: loved every tune of it and every note fitted just perfectly its corresponding image!

Unfortunately the movie concentrates on Dorothy's emotional development and her 'Vicious Circle' (Algonquin Round Table) and left completely out her left-wing tendencies such as being an advocate of causes like civil liberties and civil rights, and her brushing with the Black List. Also, I was missing more references to the movies she actually wrote.

Even if you are not knowledgeable about Dorothy Parker and her works, yet into 1930's movies, or love movies like 'The Great Gatsby', then you will very much enjoy this movie about Hollywood's Golden Age of movie making.

All in all: visually ravishing, emotionally titillating and intellectually stimulating, I will definitely look up some more of Dorothy's poems.

The Star Cast: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Campbell Scott, Peter Gallagher, Stanley Tucci, Matthew Broderick, Gwenyth Paltrow, Jennifer Beals, Lili Taylor, Martha Plimpton, Wallace Shawn, Stephen Baldwin.

The Libertine (2004)

A totally underrated, ribald and very witty experience indeed!

[8/10 · 12 January 2012]

This is a movie adaptation/dramatisation of a play, written by Stephen Jeffrey, based on the life of the infamous John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester (1 April 1647 – 26 July 1680), an English Libertine poet, a courtier of King Charles II, and the writer of much satirical and bawdy poetry. It's a movie about an admirable yet pitiful waste of a great talent, a cynic of his own golden age, and I think this is one of Johnny Depp's best performances, if not The Best of all his a career. His portrayal of the decadent, poetic rebel of 17th Century Restoration England, who in the end seeks for redemption, is spotless and exquisite! You have to be in tune with theatrical representations, poetry recitals and 17th Century English accents. The decadent Depp's poetry reciting and Samantha Morton's 'Opehlia' are mesmerising. The chemistry between the two is perfect and we are enthralled to watch their relationship develop first as teacher and pupil and then as lovers till separation. The entire movie was filmed with natural daylight and candles (lots of candles!!) therefore the cinematography looks rather rough and dilettante, but I guess it was intentional, to portray the atmosphere and filthiness of 17th Century life.

The only thing I missed was a few period music pieces, some Purcell or Handel maybe instead of the quiet piano twinkling.

Biographically it's pretty much accurate but historical events are over-dramatised.

This is a period drama with a lot of visual and verbal sexuality and debauchery; therefore I rate this 18 and over!!!

I loved it and will watch it again...with English subtitles though...to improve my shakespearean raunchy speech!!

The Last Station (2009)

Countess Sofya steals the show!!

[7/10 · 10 January 2012]

An adaptation of a biographical 'novel' inspired by Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy's (September 9, 1828 – November 20, 1910) final months, and therefore some scenes and dialogs a tad over-dramatized. But it does no harm, as biographical and historical events are depicted accurately. Beautifully filmed, capturing the lights and atmosphere of 1910s Russian country side south of Moscow; costumes and props impeccable. We learn about the power-struggle between Tolstoy's editor and wife and how the great writer couldn't make up his mind to whom he will leave his legacy and the copyright of his works.

Paul Giamatti portrays an excellent hypocritical, opportunist and self-interested Vladimir Chertkov and Christopher Plummer a very believable Tolstoy indeed. Even though James McAvoy as Valentin Bulgakov, Tolstoy's very young last secretary, is a very gifted and touching young actor, I thought the subplot did not fully catch on, but I blame it on the directing. But the entire movie is a magnificent vehicle for Hellen Mirren's immaculate acting talents as Sofya, Tolstoy's wife! BRAVO, she did deserve her awards. I empathized, loved and suffered with her through the entire movie.

Despite a tiny, but tastefully filmed, sex-scene, the movie is watchable for the interested Teenager.

Even if you don't know much about Tolstoy, but you are into brilliantly acted period-drama, this is a very good movie.

p.s. In reality, Countess Sofya bore Tolstoy 13 children and copied out six drafts of his novel "War and Peace" - by hand!!!!!!

Pollock (2000)

this is what a 'biopic' ought to be about!

[9/10 · 8 January 2012]

Brilliant! Ed Harris is not only interpreting Jackson Pollock (January 28, 1912 – August 11, 1956).......he IS Pollock! The beginning might be a bit foggy for the uninitiated, but then again, if you chose to watch this movie you already know a bit about the artist. Shows the complex, bio-polar and alcoholic personality of the artist without being vulgar. We learn about his relationships, family and artistic development chronologically. We discover how he searched for a distinguished style and his famous Dripping-Technique. Excellent faithful reconstructions of real life events, interviews and photographs of which we all know are conserved on film (even on YouTube!). All other cast framed Harris' work wonderfully, especially Marcia Hayden as Lee Krasner, Pollock's artist wife.

Historically and Biographically totally accurate.

Watchable with Teenagers.

Short, (without being over pretentious) a very good biopic: an instructive BIOgraphy within a very well acted moving PICture.

(I only take off one * for the sometimes abrupt editing)

Artemisia (1997)

Historical and Biographical deliberate Falsification!!!

[1/10 · 20 December 2011]

Grrrrr.....SHAME to the the director and producer...this is where censors ought to step up and copyrights put into force (using the names, etc.) !! A deliberate total falsification of the historical events, the movie is a pornographic fantasy of the director. Turning a violent rape of a young girl into a soft-core sex-affair is just a criminal offense, and an insult to the artist...I feel total resentment GGGrrrrrrr.......BAD BAD BAD!!!

Historically and Biographically this movie has absolutely nothing to do with the great Artemisia Gentileschi (July 8, 1593–1652), the Italian Early Baroque painter, today considered one of the most accomplished female painters in the generation influenced by Caravaggio.

DON'T WATCH IT!!!! ... and definitely not for the young!

Io, Don Giovanni (2009)

Picturesque!

[9/10 · 20 December 2011]

A movie for all of those who love Opera, love Mozart, and love 'Don Giovanni'. The central character is Lorenzo Da Ponte (10 March 1749 - 17 August 1838), a Venetian opera librettist and poet. The movie is about the 'making-of' of 'Don Giovanni' and Mozart and Salieri are very much present and well depicted. It seems that biographically and historically the story line is pretty much accurate. The costumes are lavish, the acting flawless and the directing exemplary.

But what really keeps you mesmerized is the breathtaking cinematography (courtesy of Vittorio Storaro), a true artistic visual feast underscored with Vivaldi in the beginning and then Mozart through and through.

P.S. Italian is the most beautiful language, when people speak, everything rhymes, as if all conversations were just one big sonnet...♥!

Watchable with interested adolescents.

Edvard Munch (1974 TV Movie)

For Art lovers and students just perfect

[8/10 · 20 December 2011]

Very interesting and innovative new approach of movie-making. A documentary within a biopic: Norwegian actors representing and picturing Munch, Munch's family, friends, fiends and contemporaries (speaking in Norwegian with subtitles) filmed in a journalistic way, whilst a narrator takes us through in English being sometimes Munch himself or sometimes as an instructor. The chronology of the living facts is juxtaposed by the past with a deep insight of Munch's emotional evolution and disturbances. One does learn a lot about the artist and his oeuvres. Don't expect a motion picture with a plot and you must be interested by Munch himself to be able to enjoy this throughly. Keep in mind that it's 3h30 long. Watchable for adolescents.