This film follows perfect form in the way the characters are introduced in stages and developed along with the story. It has the intimacy of watching a one-act play. The acting is flawless. Each character earns the audience sympathy from the first moment they become engaged in the performance. When I recognized the film from having seen it on TV when I was very young, I dropped watching a couple of playoff games on TV to watch this film instead. The story is elaborate and delicious. The characters change and surprise as the plot takes unexpected twists. It is all held neatly together in the microcosm of the small hotel in classic fashion. This is the kind of movie people are referring to when they say they were "watching old movies on TV". People who like old movies love this one. The subtleties and grace of a past era are wonderfully exemplified in this film while it delivers themes that are adult, complex, and controversial. All of this amidst the elegance of the setting. This is a beautifully directed, and superbly acted film that makes you glad you watched it.
Review of Separate Tables
