The Remains of the Day (A or 4/4 stars)
A dignified butler's world of manners & rules in the Manor he maintains is tested by the arrival of a housekeeper who falls in love with him in 'Remains of the Day', a Merchant/Ivory production. Most of the film is shown in flashback, with a 1950s Mr. Stevens (Anthony Hopkins) recalling his days of service under the late Lord Darlington (James Fox); especially during the yrs. leading up to WWII. However, the brunt of this story is Stevens' never-defined relationship with said housekeeper, Ms. Kenton (Emma Thompson). It is clear that they love each other, but that love is never spoken of btwn. the 2 of them - for no matter how hard Ms. Kenton tries to draw it out of his mouth, Mr. Stevens only suppresses his feelings ... not even admitting them to himself.
We watch their years-long relationship (not romantic, remember) under the threat of the Nazi's rise to power in Germany. Lord Darlington, a gentleman with good intentions, falls prey to the Germans (as a post-WWI sympathizer), & believes that the Treaty of Versailles was needlessly cruel. Determined to fight for peace, Darlington gets close with the Germans - completely unaware that they'll use him as a pawn for British secrets when they attack a few yrs. later. Too bad Darlington never listened to the concerns from some of his house guests, including: U.S. Congressman Lewis (Christopher Reeve); who warns Darlington that he is an "amateur" playing a political game best left to "professionals".
This storyline is very intriguing, though, we care more about the interaction(s) btwn. Mr. Stevens & Ms. Kenton than we do about Lord Darlington's mistakes with the Germans. Instead, we fully invest in the ups (and many downs) of these 2 characters across the years, always hoping above all hope that something will make Mr. Stevens snap-out of his rigid, unemotional Butler state of being. The ending of 'Remains ...' affords Mr. Stevens a last-ditch effort for romance with Ms. Kenton, as well forgiving himself for allowing Lord Darlington to fall into the Germans' trap, so long ago. The result is sad, but extremely well-handled; poetic, even. Sadness (or tragedy) without catharsis is a difficult pill to swallow when watching a romantic drama, but the entire movie is executed so skillfully, so calmly, with so much control (by director James Ivory, & the writers) that we receive a 'satisfactory' blow. There is loss. And we feel that loss.
'Remains of the Day' looks incredible without calling attention to itself. The camera lensing is beautiful, capturing the ins-&-outs of the Estate. The period sets & costumes are exceptional. Like all Merchant/Ivory productions (Room with a View, Howards End & others), the film is both grand & graceful. I was enthralled just watching how a stately manor was run (from a butler/housekeeper/servants point of view). The supporting performances aid our 2 leads wonderfully. Most notable is Peter Vaughn as Stevens' underbutler father. I'll never forget the scene in which Stevens delays reacting to news of his father's death in order to complete his duties. Most young adults who see this film may find it too slow to focus on. But as an adult, I appreciate polished, dignified dramas such as this.
'Remains ...' is all about repressed emotions & unfulfilled love. And 2 of today's best actors (Hopkins & Thompson) are up to the task of walloping us in those regards. She is as lovely & excellent as usual. And just 2 yrs. after his turn as the deranged Hannibal Lecter, Anthony Hopkins gives us a polar opposite performance, but equally complex & effective. I cringed at his tortured inability to show his feelings; while they sat dormant in his heart. As head butler, he sacrificed himself to service; putting his meaningless, but dutiful job above anything else (the outside world, love interest, & politics - that one nearly gets him in the end, as well). Hopkins' haunting, deeply moving portrayal of a man incapable of choosing joy over duty will sit with me for a long time. 'Remains of the Day' is as sad as its title intuits. But it is also one of the most affecting, wonderful films of 1993.
We watch their years-long relationship (not romantic, remember) under the threat of the Nazi's rise to power in Germany. Lord Darlington, a gentleman with good intentions, falls prey to the Germans (as a post-WWI sympathizer), & believes that the Treaty of Versailles was needlessly cruel. Determined to fight for peace, Darlington gets close with the Germans - completely unaware that they'll use him as a pawn for British secrets when they attack a few yrs. later. Too bad Darlington never listened to the concerns from some of his house guests, including: U.S. Congressman Lewis (Christopher Reeve); who warns Darlington that he is an "amateur" playing a political game best left to "professionals".
This storyline is very intriguing, though, we care more about the interaction(s) btwn. Mr. Stevens & Ms. Kenton than we do about Lord Darlington's mistakes with the Germans. Instead, we fully invest in the ups (and many downs) of these 2 characters across the years, always hoping above all hope that something will make Mr. Stevens snap-out of his rigid, unemotional Butler state of being. The ending of 'Remains ...' affords Mr. Stevens a last-ditch effort for romance with Ms. Kenton, as well forgiving himself for allowing Lord Darlington to fall into the Germans' trap, so long ago. The result is sad, but extremely well-handled; poetic, even. Sadness (or tragedy) without catharsis is a difficult pill to swallow when watching a romantic drama, but the entire movie is executed so skillfully, so calmly, with so much control (by director James Ivory, & the writers) that we receive a 'satisfactory' blow. There is loss. And we feel that loss.
'Remains of the Day' looks incredible without calling attention to itself. The camera lensing is beautiful, capturing the ins-&-outs of the Estate. The period sets & costumes are exceptional. Like all Merchant/Ivory productions (Room with a View, Howards End & others), the film is both grand & graceful. I was enthralled just watching how a stately manor was run (from a butler/housekeeper/servants point of view). The supporting performances aid our 2 leads wonderfully. Most notable is Peter Vaughn as Stevens' underbutler father. I'll never forget the scene in which Stevens delays reacting to news of his father's death in order to complete his duties. Most young adults who see this film may find it too slow to focus on. But as an adult, I appreciate polished, dignified dramas such as this.
'Remains ...' is all about repressed emotions & unfulfilled love. And 2 of today's best actors (Hopkins & Thompson) are up to the task of walloping us in those regards. She is as lovely & excellent as usual. And just 2 yrs. after his turn as the deranged Hannibal Lecter, Anthony Hopkins gives us a polar opposite performance, but equally complex & effective. I cringed at his tortured inability to show his feelings; while they sat dormant in his heart. As head butler, he sacrificed himself to service; putting his meaningless, but dutiful job above anything else (the outside world, love interest, & politics - that one nearly gets him in the end, as well). Hopkins' haunting, deeply moving portrayal of a man incapable of choosing joy over duty will sit with me for a long time. 'Remains of the Day' is as sad as its title intuits. But it is also one of the most affecting, wonderful films of 1993.