The March sisters live and grow in post-Civil War America. Based on the well known novel. [imdb]Nominated for 3 Oscars:
Best Actress: Winona Ryder
Best Original Score
Best Costume Design
I have to admit I have never seen the 1933 classic version with Katherine Hepburn and I've also never read the book(s). So this was my first contact with the story: I mention that just so people don't think I'm comparing it, when I'll start trashing it :)) kidding. :P
The thing is: we're seeing 2 movies here: there's the first part, which is joyful, easy to watch and mostly fun light entertainment. And then there's the second half, which is boring, predictable, cheesy, boring again and doesn't have Kirsten in it. The second hour reaaaaaally sucks. Other than that, Winona gives a good performance, but that's the impression left on me because of her charisma and not because she had any big aha-acting moment. More on her next week, on the other blog.
My rating for the film: 5.5/10. 1994 was responsible for some awful supporting performances, ignored by the Razzie. Christian Bale should've made the list, because he's pretty bad in this.
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Little Women is the type of book specifically made to become a miniseries it just doesn't work well as a film. I love Kate as Joe because she's born to play the role but the 1933 works because it doesn't care about following the story accurately. There's just too much and the 1994 tries to do that and fails, and Winona just seems wrong for the role.
ReplyDelete(This was the first "real" novel I read so we go way back. Love Sarandon and Bale in it, though)
really? Bale? :) I thought he was completely off especially in the scene where he asks Jo to marry him. I've seen it twice in the last week and I have no doubt that his line readings there is just ridiculous. :) maybe you remember it in an idealized way. of course, that's just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteSarandon is playing so against type that it almost confuses me, but yes: she's good with what she has to work with (isn't she always?!)
Claire Danes's perf was the most mysterious to read for me. I found her out of place at first, but her death scene is strangely effective and touching...
Probably idealised, I won't doubt you. But I'm generally apologetic towards Bale, I like him the first half more than the second though. Everyone's just really off in the second part, except for older Amy.
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