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 [ VIDEO REVIEW: Quills ]

 

Mike Warren

 

 

Quills takes a little peak at how writing influences people, but unfortunately doesn't really appear to have much to say; the film dwells too much on the shocking aspects of the Marquis de Sade's life (with which I'm not familiar, so can't comment on the accuracy of the movie portrayal) and rather ignores the chance to comment on the degree to which fiction is reflected in people's actions.

 

 

Granted, there are some characters who respond to the Marquis' literature, but they all do so in the same way: they do what it seems they would like to do anyway; the writing merely acts as an impetus. Perhaps this is the sum of the film's thesis, but it could have said a lot more.

 

Geoffrey Rush attacks his role as the Marquis with glee, and mostly comes off very well. Sadly, a few of his scenes are damaged by a little too much zeal, and almost come off as over-acted (although the untouchable over-acting ability of Kenneth Branagh remains unchallenged). Still, an excellent performance.

 

Joaquin Phoenix and (surprisingly) Kate Winslet provide the balanced and subtle performances which help keep the film watchable. Michael Caine trudges rather woodenly through his role, with little apparent change in acting from his vastly different role in The Cider House Rules. Oh well. Amelia Warner plays the ‘cute chick’ decently, but it's not really much of a role.

 

While Quills is a decent movie, it is nothing spectacular and the squeamish may be kept away by tongue-cutting, necrophelia and (mild) torture scenes.





© Copyright 1999-2001 Mike Warren (mike-warren.com). This content may be reproduced verbatim in any medium provided this copyright notice and all content remains unchanged.

 

 

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