claire carscallen

I truly wanted to like this film, but by less than half way through, I had to admit it was just pretentious, badly cast twaddle. To believe that Jim Broadbent’s and Jeff Goldblum’s characters could be close enough in age to have gone to college together was ridiculous. The characters were so self indulgent as to be irritating and unsympathetic, as was the repeated dine and dash and hotel room scams. Supposed to be ‘cute’ I guess.’ Just embarrassing in 60 yesr olds. Actually, I was embarrassed for the actors the whole way through.

I found it a really emotionally intelligent and moving film, great attention to period detail. I was most impressed by the acting (yes, even Harry Styles) and the matching of actors for the older snd younger versions of the characters is astounding (apart from Rupert Everett.) Linus Roache as the older Tom, is so perfect - same physique as Harry, same long legs, thick hair and quite similar features; he even walks and speaks exactly like Harry. Gina McKee is a completely believable in looks and mannerisms as the older version of Emma Corrin’s Marion. Unfortunately, the choice of Rupert Everett as the older version of David Dawson’s Patrick, is absurd. David Dawson is a petite, delicate framed, unhairy man with delicate features. Rupert Everett is tall, burly, broad shouldered, with a broad very fury chest, and his features are entirely different - large and strong jawed. It was jarring, and very difficult to believe him as the same person , despite his great acting. Just going from age 35 to 70 would not have allowed him to grow 7” and change his bone structure. Some people have said they found the film slow paced and kind of confusing. I did not.

I agree with most of the negative reviews, though the first half held my attention. Don't want to hint at any spoilers, but does she die at the end? Dreamlike serene expression, magically appearing orange, blood around her fingernails. Only one other reviewer I noticed asks this question. Most believe it is a mawkish, unbelievable redemptive ending with her reconciling with her daughters. Not what I see.