NOW SHOWING:
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Colin Firth
The Gist: Peter O'Toole plays a famous movie actor (real stretch, huh?) who is murdered. The movie takes place in the afterlife at a luxurious hotel filled with famous people. Colin Firth plays O'Toole's killer who dies afterwards himself. Now infamous for killing O'Toole, he also finds himself at the same afterlife resort. The film quickly takes on a Hotel California vibe as certain celebrities start disappearing. It's a character driven story with an interesting take on what fame means.
Why You've Probably Never Seen It: I don't believe it was released in the states other than on VHS. Plus it was before Colin Firth was really known over here. Also, Peter O'Toole at times can be (how do I put this nicely?) boring. And I suppose I should also mention that the production quality is not the greatest.
Why You Should Watch It: It's like watching a really excellent short story. One that is filled with drama, fantasy, horror, and even a little humor.
Scene To Savor: That's a hard one to say since I've always felt the ending was one of the best parts. However, if you've never see the film, I'd hate to ruin it for you.
On a Scale of Missed Gems: 4 out of 5 (it loses a point cause it does have moments were it drags a little, plus the production quality).
Note: I know several of you have commented on the lack of availability of some of the films featured in this column. I do in fact see your point, and I should probably try to do more that are easily available. Mind you this one also isn't on DVD in our region, but your point is duly noted.
I think you finally found a film that I have never seen unless you have just made up.
ReplyDeleteSounds intriguing. Really.
ReplyDeleteI like both of those actors, though, yes, they have both bored me at times. There are a few copies of the movie on Amazon.com and I found at least one site that claims you can view it online. It's here:
ReplyDeletehttp://snipurl.com/vcb0k
I haven't checked anywhere else, but at least there are some options. Thanks for the review TS.
I've seen this movie and like it too. One small point, Colin Firth's character gets knocked off a ledge by a large lighting fixture and dies rather than committing suicide. The movie is quite stylized--it's a Dutch production. I like the interaction between O'Toole and Firth. Definitely worth tracking down. I found the old VHS tape and do not know if it was distributed in theaters in the US.
ReplyDeleteI should add that there are additional Colin Firth hidden gems from the 1980's. Almost everything he did for his first few years as an actor was quite serious and high quality. Look especially for Tumbledown, Apartment Zero, A Month in the Country and his first movie, Another Country.
ReplyDeleteLouise, You know what, you're right. I have corrected the post. I haven't seen the movie in about a decade myself. I must have been mixing that part up with some other film. Once you said that though I realized the mistake.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the other movies you mentioned. I like all of them except for A Month In The Country, which I found kind of dull. Otherwise I'm a big fan of Colin Firth. He's my man crush. lol
I love this, "Scene to Savor" - so poetic, I'm totally stealing that for future reference ... I'll be honest, I don't know if I'll check this out, no coming of age plot. Ha ha :) JK.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie but anything with Colin Firth in it... well, enough said.
ReplyDeleteann
Peter O'Toole is one of my favorites. The man is just a hair from being insane. And to me, that always comes across. In real life, or in a role.
ReplyDeleteGotta look for this one!
I put the stamp movie in my queue immediately after I read the post.... THe site said it was available until I was ready to receive the next movie in my queue.... The it said there's a short wait.
ReplyDeleteWow. I just checked Netflix and I am uber bummed it's not listed. Sounds like a great movie.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, and naturally I havent seen it!
ReplyDelete