Susan Richmond

I think this is an excellent film. I was surprised by the casting of Jason Clarke for the role of Ted Kennedy but it was inspired. He resisted the urge to go for the thick Boston Kennedy accent. His performance is subtle and I think intelligent. I have read lots of books about the Kennedys and my impression is that they really were American royalty. The Patriarch by David Nasaw is a must read and Doris Kearns Goodwin's books It explains a lot of Ted's behaviour and attitude to women Joe wanted a dynasty and Ted as his only surviving son was his last chance. Joe had 5 daughters but their attitude to women was dreadful; used for breeding purposes. Ted the spoiled baby of the family is used to getting his own way. Did he ever feel guilty about Mary Jo? For over 50 years Joe Kennedy walked on water then the tragedies began first with WW2 but much of it because of blind ambition. The Kennedys make the Tudors look dull in comparison.

I really had to have my arm twisted to watch this movie. The subject matter sounded dreadful; I envisaged some ghastly 'Dynasty' like, frothy nonsense. As for Lady Gaga I hated A Star is Born ( i didn't like the Streisand version either ) and when I discovered the chain smoking duo of Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons were in it I said " No way" Then I heard that it was directed by Ridley Scott and I decided to give it a 30 minute trial. I WAS WRONG! Lady Gaga was totally convincing as was Jared Leno and Al Pacino gives one of his best performances in decades. I really enjoyed this film. P.S. Lady Gag should go back to her natural colour; the dark bob looked really cute.

I was looking forward to a little light hearted fun. I am afraid that, despite an excellent cast, this just didn't work for me. A weak storyline which felt half hearted and rushed with very few jokes. Pauline McLynn was completely miscast. The writers leant too heavily on gay stereotype jokes which went out in the 1970's. The grand finale; was little more than some tin foil and a few fireworks. A low budget film can still be successful with charm and a good script. A good idea poorly executed. Lame.

I enjoyed this film as a child but it hasn't aged well. Genevieve Bujold, Anthony Quayle and Michael Hordern are impressive despite the stomach churning script. It is not Richard Burton's finest performance and I suspect he knew it. Too bad they didn't record the bloopers in those days; I am sure they would have been more entertaining than this turkey. The direction is dreadful. Perhaps better with a glass if not a bottle of wine.

I am rather cynical with acting dynasties but the chemistry between real life mother and daughter; Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley is a delight. I cannot fault any of the actors or the script. For my sins I was once a community nurse and came across domestic violence/ dysfunctional families all too often. This series addresses the question " Why don't you just leave?" The truth is; families and relationships are complicated. If I have anything to complain about? I don't think anyone could clean such enormous houses so thoroughly in 3 hours! Or perhaps I am just slow. Excellent

Watched this film with my 16 year old son and we both agreed this was an interesting idea. One thinks of how stressful working in such an environment must be. Jake Gyllenhaal is very impressive. I found Emily's characterisation by Riley Keough irritatingly repetitive. Although we never see her we should be on her side. Her childlike, sobbing, breathy, speech never varies; which I feel it would, over the course of several hours trapped in a van. I am sure from an acting point of view this is very difficult. To. maintain the audience interest, in an intense psychological film such as this, empathy with the imagined victim is essential. The director has relied on Jake Gyllenhaal too heavily to carry this film