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Wings of the Dove is a bummer. That said, it's a smoothly scripted, nicely acted, beautifully shot bummer that makes you think about the nature of love and the strength of the lies we tell ourselves. Ooh, deep, huh? After garnering 4 Oscar nominations, I knew I had to see it to make any kind of informed commentary on the awards.
Helena Bonham-Carter's nominated performance is strong, but not necessarily anything I can't imagine someone else doing. This may be unfair of me to say - I find it difficult to qualify acting performances, and her character is very interesting and layered, but at the same time, I just wasn't blown away. |
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| I think the role of her ill American friend Milly (Allison Elliott) was more complex on the visible surface than Bonham-Carter's - this could be either Elliott's strength or B-C's weakness, I can't say. Anyway, my point is lost here - it's good, and interesting. |
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Helena loves a man below her station, and her friend is rich and dying. She sees a solution and goes after it, and then I wouldn't say mayhem or wackiness ensues so much as complications and heartbreak. Henry James is not known for his fluffy comedies, so don't go expecting Jane Austen. But do go expecting to see gorgeous views of turn of the century clothing waltzing attractively around England and Venice. |
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The relationship between the three principles is complicated and painful. If you are feeling bad about a relationship you are in, this is not the movie to see. But it is worth seeing, even if only for a Matinee. I give it that rating because, well, I don't understand Bonham-Carter's appeal to the other two people. Ah well.
Those lured by rumors of menage-a-trois will be disappointed, but there is nudity. |
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