An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Derek Malcolm's rating
Reader rating
Dir: Lajos Koltai.
Cast: Claire Danes, Patrick Wilson, Tom Hardy, Natasha Richardson, Toni Collette, Vanessa Redgrave
Description: Sisters Constance and Nina tend to their dying mother Ann, who continues to slip in and out of consciousness. With a night nurse watching over her, Ann recalls her teenage years, when a romantic dalliance with handsome Harris Arden led to unexpected tragedy.
Country: US. 2007. 117mins
If you went by the cast you'd rush off to the nearest cinema to see Lajos Koltai's film, based on Susan Minot's affectionately remembered novel.
There is Vanessa Redgrave as a dying old woman who reveals the secret of her life to her daughters (Natasha Richardson and Toni Collette): she loved and lost Patrick Wilson's handsome buck many years ago. We then go back in time to find out why.
Her young self is played by Claire Danes, who looks about as unlike her as you could get. Meryl Streep, Mamie Gummer (Streep's daughter), Glenn Close, Eileen Atkins and Hugh Dancy also adorn the film.
Alas, it's like James Ivory on a very poor day. Even Koltai, the Oscar-winning cinematographer who directed the excellent Fateless, seems to be striving for good taste rather than drama as he plods his way through the story of gilded youth making a fool of itself by not taking its chances for happiness.
Under these circumstances, the performances are oddly muted, as if the screenplay refuses to allow a fine cast full rein. But those who loved the book can be assured that it has been translated faithfully enough to the screen.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Morning:
13°c
