I fear that some unhappy comments made about this film arise from disappointment in that it wasn't a 'typical' Scorcese movie. No sympathy, though - any fan of the man has to be aware of the range he commands.
That said, this is a wonderful movie. It is astoundingly faithful to the subtleties of the novel; it is magnificent to see; and it manages to make very alive the people of another world. Day-Lewis is at his best. Note the scene with Pfeiffer when both are laughing at a Christopher Columbus spin. His barely restrained glee in the woman's presence is perfect. But the woman! Pfeiffer has been cursed with great beauty. Too bad, that it obfuscates for many a brilliant, brilliant actor. She is ideal as the countess, cultured, intelligent, passionate and highly moral. Best of all, Scorcese orchestrates the entire thing with the sure hand of a director who knows his craft absolutely.
That said, this is a wonderful movie. It is astoundingly faithful to the subtleties of the novel; it is magnificent to see; and it manages to make very alive the people of another world. Day-Lewis is at his best. Note the scene with Pfeiffer when both are laughing at a Christopher Columbus spin. His barely restrained glee in the woman's presence is perfect. But the woman! Pfeiffer has been cursed with great beauty. Too bad, that it obfuscates for many a brilliant, brilliant actor. She is ideal as the countess, cultured, intelligent, passionate and highly moral. Best of all, Scorcese orchestrates the entire thing with the sure hand of a director who knows his craft absolutely.
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