M Laura M

Such a beautiful movie. I had seen it when it was first released, back in the nineties. I remember I loved every bit of it even though it has some quite dramatic moments. So it was a joy when last week I found it on demand on Star+. A gem that had been once lost was now found again. That's precious. After watching it again, after so many years, I remembered why I loved Gary Oldman so much. Yes, he is heavenly. And he did not start in Harry Potter or Batman, please. He was a diamond in disguise long before. He covers extremes so very well, he can be as gentle as a feather with a soft sweet voice or ... an abyss, of terror, darkness, despair. He is everything. A rainbow of emotions, with an exquisite ear so that whatever 'colour' he choses to use, he is never out of 'tune' (after all, aren't actors the greatest painters of them all? Aren't they at the same time also the widest canvas that could fit no portrait and yet filling them all? The beauty of intangible art, even though actors are very much concrete beings). His timing, his gestures, his face... you can read in his face whatever is passing through his heart like clouds in the sky or simply... nothing, because he is able to turn it to stone, too. You can find in him the softness of a feathery pillow where you can innocently rest your head... or also the hammer that will smash it. And this ability that he has, has always fascinated me. Demi Moore delivers a flawless performance as Hester Pryne and Gary Oldman is, as I said, simply out of this world. Actually, even though I've said enough, words fail me to convey what I feel regarding his acting skills, the way he dilutes himself and the character comes to life. I have seen him in every movie he's made; the Scarlet Letter is my favourite together with Dracula, Inmortal Beloved and The Professional. There is no other Reverend Dimmesdale once Gary Oldman's performance has landed on your heart caressing it like a rose petal, and yet with a strength sufficient to leave you in utter awe. His face is so beautiful as his eyes are so blue and as deep as he wants them to be. If you love really beautiful stories of true love, set in older times with gorgeous costumes and outstanding performances, please, watch the Scarlet Letter, is a gem in disguise. Don't let it go.