THE BEGUILDED
Directed by Sofia Coppola
Screenplay by Sofia Coppola/ Based on screenplay by Albert Maltz and Irene Kamp
Based on the Book by Thomas Cullinan
Starring Nicole Kidman; Kirsten Dunst; Elle Fanning; Colin Farrell; and Oona Lawrence
This is a remake of a 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood. The Beguilded follows 7 females who are staying at a school in Virginia during the American Civil War. They find an injured Union Soldier on the property, they take him in which leads to betrayals and back stabbing.
It is an odd film that is for sure. It has a slow burn in the beginning, then it picks up at about the one hour mark, and then in the last 10 minutes it slows down to almost a haunting ending.
In fact the whole movie feels haunting. Coppola use the time period well with candles lighting each room, creating shadows and darkness making the movie almost seem more haunting then it really was. Throw in the costuming...all the women in white against the shadows and darkness makes the ladies seem like ghost against the darkness.
So the atmosphere is spot on but so is the casting:
We see Oona Lawrence first as the movie opens, who takes on an almost protective role of Corporal McBurney (Farrell). Like she did in the film Southpaw she holds her own, and then some, up against some big time actors.
Kidman as Miss Martha plays her character hauntingly quiet. She says so much with a look. Her eyes always seems like they are saying something. A wonderful performance.
Duntst (Looking sans make-up) as Edwina has a difficult role. She tries to be proper but she is desperate to get out and see the world. Her part is tricky, playing both sides of the house, but she pulls it off.
Best for last....Farrell plays Corporal McBurney as, at first, sweet talking man from the North. Then as the movie moves on (no spoilers here as usual), he becomes desperate and full of rage. A great performance.
Well there are negatives...
-As noted before the film really gets intense, then the film kinda levels off to an almost quiet ending. As the credits roll you sit there and think...Okay..that was pretty good. The ending is almost too quiet. There is so much tension in the middle of the film and then it just ends. Also...I just feel like there is a sadness for Dunst. I want to know more about her character ( again no spoilers). Just wanted more meatat he end if that makes sense.
Well 3 1/2 stars out of 5 for the dark; haunting; and well acted The Beguilded.
From the shadows as always thanks for your time.
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