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Derek Malcolm's rating
Night that never ends
By
Derek Malcolm
20 Sep 2007
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.
