View from the Bridge
Added 1/10/2010
Crashing bore of a movie, done with flare and with passionately exquisite acting. Moore's performance is the least interesting of the three, although her depression is probably the most familiar to us, that is, as an ill-defined form of dread and boredom, unexplained by events. Moore is good at playing stiff, somehow capturing the 50's look to perfection, but "stiff" is hard to dramatize effectly, so here and elsewhere Moore has established a strangely cold persona, sexless and lifeless. Streep is not depressed but is forced to suffer the company of a psychologically troubled, embittered misfit, the sort of poet-nut whom the media takes up and celebrates. Harris gives us the "Philadelphia" look of the aids victim, beany cap and all, but in the end it's not very interesting. No wonder he's slated to win a prize but chooses to kill himself instead. Streep looks great and dresses to the nines throughout, a classic classy New York broad, a bleeding-heart all the way. She's sucked into the loser's downward spiral and can't escape. When he goes, the audience has to hold its breath to keep from applauding. Virginia Woolf is the most compelling figure, a writer of vast and real talent who deserves one's attention. Here we get a brilliantly performed piece, a subtle,lovely depiction of a real literary star. As good as Streep's New York editor is, Kidman's Woolf is a tour de force, a dramatic treat. It may be the best thing she's ever done or likely to do. Streep, on the other hand, will surely go on to do far more interesting work. The story is boring, filled with heavy portent. Depression is a fashionable favorite, which is why comedy is passed over by the Oscars. These episodes are thin, indeed, and in the end we hve to ask: will this great classic be remembered tomorrow?
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
High expectations unmatched by reality
Added 1/2/2010
After all of Meryl Streep's successes we had just about concluded that If Meryl Streep was in the movie, it would be a winner especially when you add in the rest of the remarkable cast. Unfortunately the movie turned out to be a maelstrom of depression feeding on depression. We could not even finish the film. Others may see some redeeming qualities that we missed.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Excellent view
Added 11/19/2009
This is a great movie worth watching. If you like Virignia Woolf, watch this. Its really quite good.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Great Acting/complicated plot
Added 11/12/2009
Having seen this a number of years ago when I was unable to focus on the movie (because a friend who was with me talked and asked many questions), this has been an interesting look into a classic story of mental illness. This was actually the first time I really watched the movie.
The cast is awesome, but on top of that they individually outdid themselves in their role. It is more than worth viewing, but be prepared that it is depressing.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Too Darn Depressing for Me
Added 10/18/2009
The acting was too well done. All three leading ladies range from somewhat disatisfied to suicidally depressed and they were convincing. But here's the thing. Watching and listening to people who are depressed is DEPRESSING. And watching this movie was depressing. I watched for about an hour thinking it might pick up, that perhaps a real ray of sunshine would appear. But... I'm giving up. I will not put myself through watching the rest of it.
Having gone and read other reviews now, even some by people who liked the film, I don't think I missing anything. Whew.... I need to go watch Miracle or Rudy or Remember the Titans, SOMETHING inspirational to shake off this one.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
View from the Bridge
Added 1/10/2010
Crashing bore of a movie, done with flare and with passionately exquisite acting. Moore's performance is the least interesting of the three, although her depression is probably the most familiar to us, that is, as an ill-defined form of dread and boredom, unexplained by events. Moore is good at playing stiff, somehow capturing the 50's look to perfection, but "stiff" is hard to dramatize effectly, so here and elsewhere Moore has established a strangely cold persona, sexless and lifeless. Streep is not depressed but is forced to suffer the company of a psychologically troubled, embittered misfit, the sort of poet-nut whom the media takes up and celebrates. Harris gives us the "Philadelphia" look of the aids victim, beany cap and all, but in the end it's not very interesting. No wonder he's slated to win a prize but chooses to kill himself instead. Streep looks great and dresses to the nines throughout, a classic classy New York broad, a bleeding-heart all the way. She's sucked into the loser's downward spiral and can't escape. When he goes, the audience has to hold its breath to keep from applauding. Virginia Woolf is the most compelling figure, a writer of vast and real talent who deserves one's attention. Here we get a brilliantly performed piece, a subtle,lovely depiction of a real literary star. As good as Streep's New York editor is, Kidman's Woolf is a tour de force, a dramatic treat. It may be the best thing she's ever done or likely to do. Streep, on the other hand, will surely go on to do far more interesting work. The story is boring, filled with heavy portent. Depression is a fashionable favorite, which is why comedy is passed over by the Oscars. These episodes are thin, indeed, and in the end we hve to ask: will this great classic be remembered tomorrow?
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
High expectations unmatched by reality
Added 1/2/2010
After all of Meryl Streep's successes we had just about concluded that If Meryl Streep was in the movie, it would be a winner especially when you add in the rest of the remarkable cast. Unfortunately the movie turned out to be a maelstrom of depression feeding on depression. We could not even finish the film. Others may see some redeeming qualities that we missed.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Excellent view
Added 11/19/2009
This is a great movie worth watching. If you like Virignia Woolf, watch this. Its really quite good.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
