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Reviews
Wuthering Heights (1992)
So Disappointing....
This was such a total disappointment to me I barely know where to begin. With a great cast, fabulously gloomy atmosphere and an absolute masterpiece of a novel to work from how could they go so wrong? And yet this fell far short of what it should have been.
Ralph Feinnes has the right kind of sinister-yet-irresistible sexuality that makes him a perfect Heathcliff. He gave a great performance of a man malformed by the cruelty life has shown him. I felt I could really sympathise with his reasons for being such a swine when he got into a position of power. Juliette Binoche is an actress I greatly admire, but I feel she was just wrong for Cathy. Cathy was wild and free sprited with an overwhelming sense of her social position. Ms Binoche certainly has the beauty for the part but I found her Cathy was grating and shallow. And there wasn't much chemistry between the two leads. I could easily believe them to be friends, but hardly eternal lovers. (Personally, I think Sinaed O'Connor would have made a far more intriguing Cathy).
And one last nit-pick: the make-up was terrible. Heathcliff looked as if he'd overdosed on fake-tan and black hair dye. He was a very strange shade of orange.
So, so disappointing....
Without a Clue (1988)
An Absolute Gem
This is one of those movies you come across by total chance and it quickly becomes a firm favourite.
Two of Britains finest actors, a strong support cast, a witty script and a light touch from the director make for an absolute gem of a movie. It's a complete mystery to me how this film has never found a wider audience.
It's lovely to see the magnificent Ben Kingsley doing comedy (and I wish he'd do more!). The chemistry between Kingsley and Michael Caine is wonderful and their comic timing together is faultless.
If you want to see two class acts in action and have a good laugh as well, then this is your film.
Danger Within (1959)
A Hidden Classic
It never ceases to amaze me the truly wonderful films that you find if you venture from the mainstream. This is one of the greatest finds I have come across in a while.
A classic cast of Richard Todd, Richard Attenborough, Bernard Lee, Vincent Ball and Dennis Price are holed up in a Prisoner of War camp in Italy. They struggle against a sadistic camp Capitano (Peter Arne), the impending threat of a German takeover of the camp, internal personal clashes and a traitor in their midst as they try to escape. It sounds like heavy going but with a tight, often witty script and magnificent performances this is simply rivetting viewing. Richard Todd and Richard Attenborough (both underrated actors) especially shine out for their performances.
And there is the bonus of seeing a frighteningly young and skinny Michael Caine in a bit part!