I went to see this film today as part of Odeon's Senior Screen and have to admit was very disappointed.
IMDB says: At the height of his career, Charles Dickens meets a younger woman who becomes his secret lover until his death.
Sadly, this was pretty much what the film was about. There was no intrigue (the movie needed to show answers to the questions we as viewers asked, i.e. was there love between them or did she stay just for the money?), no plot line as nothing much happens and save for some beautiful scenery and costumes, was a very boring film indeed.
Ralph Fiennes (Schindler's List, Harry Potter) stars as Charles Dickens and Felicity Jones (Like Crazy, The Tempest) is Nelly, the object of his affections. Kristin Scott Thomas (Four Weddings and A Funeral, The English Patient) plays Nelly's mother Frances and Joanna Scanlan (Stardust, Notes on A Scandal) his long suffering wife Catherine. Tom Hollander (About Time, Pirates of the Caribbean) plays Wilkie Collins, the friend of Dickens who is already living in sin with his mistress, Game of Thrones' Catelyn Stark, actress Michelle Fairley (24, The Others).
There are some beautiful backdrops of English countryside and stately homes, both inside and out, but the film lacks substance and a sense of direction. The most interesting thing to happen was a train crash, but I am unsurprised that the sound of this did not wake the gentleman a few rows behind me who had snored from the beginning of the movie until the end. It seemed an expensive way to get a nap, but at least he had something to show for his money.
The actors are fine and did their best with the material, but the film needs a decent plot, stagnates and although Fiennes' previous directorial role on Coriolanus was good, this one feels like he needs a lot more practice.
Even the tagline is terrible: A Tale of Two Titties. 3/10
#TheInvisibleWoman #RalphFiennes
The problem with the relationship is that there is so little truth known about it. I keep meaning to read Tomalin's book but I suspect that it contains the kind of information that wouldn't make a good film. So, really, it baffles me why they made it.
ReplyDeleteI suspect you are right and they shouldn't have made it, but there seems to be a glut of films at the moment featuring this time period and 'true events' or 'inspired by true' events' movies too and maybe they were hoping to cash in on this kudos?
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