CLASSY FUN AND MURDER
Added 11/5/2009
Altman with some help on the screenplay and production, and a free hand on direction, makes the most of a delicious script through the efforts of a top notch cast. Set in a British upper class home in the year 1932, a richly drawn set of characters capture the class distinctions of upstairs and down as an ill-assorted gathering of the upper class and status seekers are engaged in pursuit of contradictory goals while those below stairs take on the identity of their masters and mistresses while engaged in their own status struggles and attempts at gratification.This is a film for leisurely watching so as to savor the verbal and physical interactions. One of the Good Ones.
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"The 2000's Version of "Upstairs, Downstairs""
Added 10/18/2009
Robert Altman directed this masterpiece set in 1932 at a countryside home in England. When a series of wealthy Brits and Americans gather at this estate one weekend to congregate, have dinner, chat, and shoot birds, a murder takes place. Like many Altman films such as "MASH" and "Nashville", "Gosford Park" relies more on characterization than plot, although the stories are quite good. The major plot of the film centers on the class conflict between those that are rich and those that work for the rich; whenever you pit the rich against the poor high drama will occur. While viewing this film I couldn't help but feeling like I was part of the movie; the movie engages you as your attracted to at least one of the characters. The ensemble cast consists of many of the best British actors out there including Kristin Scott Thomas, Oscar winners Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren, and Emily Watson and a young American actor named Ryan Phillipe who proved he could hold his own against this high caliber group of actors. The DVD consists of audio commentary by Altman and a separate commentary by screenwriter Julian Fellowes who garnered an Oscar for Best Screenplay, deleted scenes, and much more. Get the tea tray out and view an exquisite film that you will watch over and over. Peter Travers from "Rolling Stone" says "a second visit to "Gosford Park" is twice the fun".
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Fascinating Film!! Beautifully Made!!
Added 10/11/2009
I was on the fence about buying this film, luckily I jumped off onto the right side. I read some of the reviews and was worried that Gosford Park might be "boring," "drawn-out," "pointless," or many of the other negative comments that people posted about it. However, NONE of those words apply. I was COMPLETELY ENGROSSED with this film and was very happy I bought it. The move is not about a murder, catching a killer, or any of the other aspects typical of a murder-mystery. Instead, its a fascinating look at the British social class in the early 30's. That may sound slightly boring, but it was far from it. Gosford is chalk full of humor, sexual tension, witty lines, and a twisting plot. Aside from that, the movie is BEAUTIFULLY shot. Watching it on my widescreen HD TV, I couldn't help but feel pulled into the gorgeous colors captured by the skillful and fluid movements of the camera. Overall, Gosford Park is an excellent film that I would recommend without hesitation. That said, this film might not be for you if you are looking for a short action packed flick or thrillingly mysterious movie. Gosford, instead, is a scenic and stunning look at Britain in the 1930's. FIVE STARS!!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Fascinating film
Added 9/19/2009
I think I've watched this film 7 times because it's so delicious. The plot of who killed the lord of the manor is secondary to the characters and the subplots. Everybody (all portrayed by legendary actors) had an agenda except the dog. I loved it because it was so opposite the typical Hollywood formula with the typical English estate and the cliche murder mystery weekend. Great script and character development. There were scenes at the dinners where everyone was talking at once, and key people were featured as you, the viewer caught snippets of their conversations. Just a masterpiece, but different from the wonderful Masterpiece Theatre.
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A review by Kele Agi ~Goldman Sachs Hospitality~ New York City
Added 9/14/2009
Helen Mirren "owns" the heart and soul of this movie. She gets the film's most moving moments & executes them with enormous grace and restraint. This perhaps should have been the Oscar winner, a mistake clearly noticed, and remedied a few years later for her "Queen" performance.
A must see.
Kele Agi
London, UK- Summer 2009
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CLASSY FUN AND MURDER
Added 11/5/2009
Altman with some help on the screenplay and production, and a free hand on direction, makes the most of a delicious script through the efforts of a top notch cast. Set in a British upper class home in the year 1932, a richly drawn set of characters capture the class distinctions of upstairs and down as an ill-assorted gathering of the upper class and status seekers are engaged in pursuit of contradictory goals while those below stairs take on the identity of their masters and mistresses while engaged in their own status struggles and attempts at gratification.This is a film for leisurely watching so as to savor the verbal and physical interactions. One of the Good Ones.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
"The 2000's Version of "Upstairs, Downstairs""
Added 10/18/2009
Robert Altman directed this masterpiece set in 1932 at a countryside home in England. When a series of wealthy Brits and Americans gather at this estate one weekend to congregate, have dinner, chat, and shoot birds, a murder takes place. Like many Altman films such as "MASH" and "Nashville", "Gosford Park" relies more on characterization than plot, although the stories are quite good. The major plot of the film centers on the class conflict between those that are rich and those that work for the rich; whenever you pit the rich against the poor high drama will occur. While viewing this film I couldn't help but feeling like I was part of the movie; the movie engages you as your attracted to at least one of the characters. The ensemble cast consists of many of the best British actors out there including Kristin Scott Thomas, Oscar winners Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren, and Emily Watson and a young American actor named Ryan Phillipe who proved he could hold his own against this high caliber group of actors. The DVD consists of audio commentary by Altman and a separate commentary by screenwriter Julian Fellowes who garnered an Oscar for Best Screenplay, deleted scenes, and much more. Get the tea tray out and view an exquisite film that you will watch over and over. Peter Travers from "Rolling Stone" says "a second visit to "Gosford Park" is twice the fun".
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Fascinating Film!! Beautifully Made!!
Added 10/11/2009
I was on the fence about buying this film, luckily I jumped off onto the right side. I read some of the reviews and was worried that Gosford Park might be "boring," "drawn-out," "pointless," or many of the other negative comments that people posted about it. However, NONE of those words apply. I was COMPLETELY ENGROSSED with this film and was very happy I bought it. The move is not about a murder, catching a killer, or any of the other aspects typical of a murder-mystery. Instead, its a fascinating look at the British social class in the early 30's. That may sound slightly boring, but it was far from it. Gosford is chalk full of humor, sexual tension, witty lines, and a twisting plot. Aside from that, the movie is BEAUTIFULLY shot. Watching it on my widescreen HD TV, I couldn't help but feel pulled into the gorgeous colors captured by the skillful and fluid movements of the camera. Overall, Gosford Park is an excellent film that I would recommend without hesitation. That said, this film might not be for you if you are looking for a short action packed flick or thrillingly mysterious movie. Gosford, instead, is a scenic and stunning look at Britain in the 1930's. FIVE STARS!!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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