Tags
2010's, Angourie Rice, Colin Farrell, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Kidman, Oona Laurence, Psychological Drama, Sofia Coppola, The Beguiled
Film Title
The Beguiled
Director
Sofia Coppola
Starring
- Colin Farrell as Corporal John McBurney
- Nicole Kidman as Miss Martha Farnsworth
- Kirsten Dunst as Edwina Morrow
- Elle Fanning as Alicia
- Oona Laurence as Amy
- Angourie Rice as Jane
Previously filmed in 1971, The Beguiled gets a reworking courtesy of Sofia Coppola and its different approach makes it one memorable movie of mounting tension and burgeoning sensuality.
It is 1864, Virginia and the Civil War is in motion. A young girl by the name of Amy from a nearby school for young girls, is out gathering mushrooms for food. She comes across Corporal John McBurney, a badly wounded Union Soldier and deserter. Helping him, Amy brings the unconscious man to her school. Here we meet the stalwart headmistress Miss Martha Farnsworth, vulnerable and melancholy teacher Edwina Morrow, and a few students, including teasing and bored teenager Alicia. There is curiosity among the girls about the man; many thinking it treason to harbor the enemy, but also a pang of sexuality as there hasn’t been a man around the isolated place for a long time. All of the ladies at the school in one way or another find themselves attracted to and curious about the handsome man in their residence. For the protective Martha, he is something that is tempting but troubling to her position of power. To shy Edwina, he is a decent man who seems to treat her with compassion. And to the precocious Alicia, he is something to project her kittenish desires on to. With the other younger girls, particularly Amy, John is something of a mysterious but friendly stranger. McBurney, while convalescing, does nothing to stop fanning the flames he has stoked and proceeds to flirt with the women. Largely, he manages to ingratiate himself into the hearts of the surrounding women, hoping to remain at the school and not return to the battlefield. Yet his trifling with their emotions in such a confined setting, will not be tolerated once fevered feelings finally get aired. The women themselves, particularly Martha, Edwina and Alicia, find themselves vying for his attentions and wrestling with romantic and lustful feelings. Soon events become complex for all the ladies, as the attraction and jealousies give way to irrevocable circumstances that tear the school to pieces in the wake of deception and anguish.
Sofia Coppola is at the helm of this steamy tale of repression and revenge, and goes about it with a finely tuned subtlety that is its chief asset. In comparison with the Don Siegel version that was more lurid and in your face(effectively so too), Coppola’s interpretation is more on the side of suggestion and nuance. Stifled desires and flurries of jealousy are glimpsed in actions and facial expressions, finding an unspoken way to project the inevitable chaos that will ring out soon enough. The tale, under the direction of Sofia Coppola, takes shape from a woman’s point of view, featuring the female gaze as opposed to the male one that so many films favour. John is repeatedly observed and lusted after in a variety of ways, most memorably when Martha sponge baths him and has to stop as her stifled desire is beginning to surface above her ladylike visage. A surprisingly sly wit also courses through the movie’s veins, which is unexpected but most welcome in the end. Themes of isolation and female identity have been explored through Coppola’s filmography already, but The Beguiled finds it in a darker setting. The choice by Coppola to have The Beguiled focus on the women primarily is a beneficial one, that allows expansion of character but also levels of surprising ambiguity. Plus, we aren’t told what to think about these people, rather it lets us make our minds up over their actions and consequences as they slowly become unsheathed. Who is really being beguiled in the film? Both John and the group of ladies exhibit signs of it, but the grey areas are what makes it so much more compelling to watch. Sofia Coppola has focused on isolation and female loneliness in her filmography successfully, here in The Beguiled, it lends itself excellently to this darker story that displays her command over suspense. While The Beguiled is definitely a psychological drama, a thriller element as the temperature rises, emerges under Coppola’s command. She shows she’s got a dab hand at creating tension; starting in the most subtle of ways before layering it with more prominent menace as John’s stay pulls apart the fabric of the female dominated house but comes around to find him in the process. Some of it can feel a tiny bit too gentle for such a tense story, but this is a minor quibble because the overall subtlety and open to interpretation approach lends The Beguiled an immensely watchable and tightly compact air. The evocative cinematography, based on shadowy bronze and occasional smattering of natural light, heightens the intensely claustrophobic cage that is the school, both for the women and John. A lot of it takes place within the aura of candlelight and closed curtains, further reinforcing the Southern Gothic entrapment of John and the tightly wound wheels of passion that are just fit to burst. There is an element of a very dark fairy tale present in the visuals, with the shafts of light through trees both coming off as beautiful and strange. And look out for the final shot of this movie, trust me it’s one that really speaks volumes and is strikingly executed. A sparse but effective score gathers momentum as darkness creeps into the tale.
Colin Farrell has the dashing good looks but also the talent to play the catalyst of The Beguiled. He is definitely someone who is manipulative and insincere in his promises, but an added depth comes out. Farrell brings with him a vulnerability that ultimately brings about his conniving behaviour, effectively he is brought down by his own plans. While Farrell is impressive in his part, the main focus of The Beguiled is the women. And they deliver brilliant work along the way. Nicole Kidman is both steely and motherly as the headmistress, who is not immune to feelings of passion that are stirred by John’s arrival. Through her watchful yet conflicted eyes, Kidman splendidly discovers a tough will and domineering hold over all who she sees; she is both protector and something of a jailer at the same time. For me, Kirsten Dunst, who has long been one of my favourite actresses, is the standout when starring as the wounded and easily lead Edwina. Her face presents a palpable sadness and a sincere hope of something that will take her away from the life she leads, a hope she thinks John will assist in. But Dunst also manages to inhabit something unpredictable in Edwina once betrayed, that rises with the jealousy of the characters around her. It’s an understated but very memorable performance. Elle Fanning, all pouting lips and come hither glances, nicely plays the teasing seductive student whose interest in John is far from wholesome. Young Oona Laurence makes a mark with a wide-eyed portrayal of children’s innocence, while Angourie Rice also stands out as one of the students growing attracted to the man in the school.
A decidedly Gothic and arresting drama of psychological desire and it’s consequences, The Beguiled finds Sofia Coppola stepping our of her comfort zone a little and fashioning something very haunting. Strikingly composed and executed, plus boasting some fine acting from a largely female cast, The Beguiled is very worthy of the praise it has been receiving.
houstonphotojourney said:
Oh, this is right up my alley! Thanks for another good one to add!!! You rock!
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vinnieh said:
Well I do my best to rock. This is a really atmospheric film.
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maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
Sounds good. I love claustrophobic character pieces, and it sounds like this film is certainly one such film. Can’t wait to check this out. I’ve seen the original with Clint and thought that was good, if a little creepy/weird.
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vinnieh said:
The majority of it takes place in the school, in dimly lit rooms that heighten the isolating nature of it all. In comparison with the 71 version, this is a lot more subtle and from the female perspective.
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beetleypete said:
I know that you are on a roll with Sofia, (even though I am struggling with why) so will keep it brief. I watched Mark Kermode review this film on the BBC this evening. He said that it was a ‘different remake’, and worth watching as an alternative to the original. He praised Kidman, but said he ultimately though the 1971 film was better, and should also be viewed by anyone watching this.
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
It’s definitely a different take on the material Pete, focusing on nuance and subtle suggestion. I saw his review too, I do like his stuff.
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Cindy Bruchman said:
I’m glad the subtlety worked for you, Vinneh.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Cindy. And I kept my eye out for the last shot just like you said.
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sonofabeach96 said:
I’ve seen the previews for this one. Sounds like it might be one to check out. 😃
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vinnieh said:
I say go for it. The mood, atmosphere and acting are on point.
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sonofabeach96 said:
Good date night movie?
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vinnieh said:
Well I don’t know about that. It gets pretty dark.
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sonofabeach96 said:
Gotcha.
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vinnieh said:
Then again, some people may like that.
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sonofabeach96 said:
Doesn’t really bother us, so long as it’s a good film.
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vinnieh said:
Well in that case, I say you should see it.
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sonofabeach96 said:
Will do, then. 👍🏻
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vinnieh said:
Enjoy.
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thespiritkeeper said:
I wish I knew more about films so I can partake but most films I don’t know anything about. Have you posted lately in your other site?
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vinnieh said:
I haven’t had the chance on my other site. But I should be updating it over the next day or so.
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thespiritkeeper said:
I was just wondering if my system was eating them as in post up. Will look forward to it.
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vinnieh said:
I’ve lately been busy, but am getting into my order again.
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thespiritkeeper said:
🙂
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TheWarner said:
I’ve always enjoyed Kirsten Dumst ‘s work, and Colin Farrell has proven he’s more than a handsome face. He was fantastic in Tigerland and Phone Booth. However, as you know I’m not a fan of Sophia Coppola’s work, so I’ll pass on this one.
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vinnieh said:
They are both fine here, especially Kirsten Dunst. Nicole Kidman is also fabulous too. It’s something a little different from Coppola too.
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kmSalvatore said:
I really wanna see this. Not just because if Colin Farrell, but yeah o He’s a big reason 😂
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vinnieh said:
Haha, well you get to see him shirtless in this a bit.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hmm. I’ve read some mixed reviews on this, but you have excellent taste Vinnie, so despite my mixed feelings regarding Coppola’s previous films, I think I may give this a try when it’s out on DVD.💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
Well I’m flattered that you think I have fine taste. It’s a real Southern Gothic style drama, strikingly shot for a woman’s point of view. A lot of emotion is expressed via actions and other things effectively.
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Elizabeth said:
I decided just to skim this until I could go see it this week. I will read the post after that. Thanks for taking the time to reflect so thoughtfully on the film. Tomorrow we are going to see the comedy “The Big Sick” on a friend’s recommendation. Have you seen it?
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vinnieh said:
I have heard of The Big Sick, but not seen it. IT looks pretty good. Can’t wait to see what you think of this.
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Elizabeth said:
We enjoyed it very much. An old fashioned movie with good current tweaks. I was in an interracial marriage and the biggest objection was towards me as white from the black family. So I appreciated that is often the case. Well acted. Not entirely predictable. I love Holly Hunter and she was her irascible self here.
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vinnieh said:
Happy you liked it.
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ninvoid99 said:
Great fucking review. I’m glad you saw it as it’s doing very well financially and it did a lot more for the story than I thought in comparison to the Don Siegel film. Plus, I enjoyed the fact that Coppola did more with the ensemble as she gave the four younger girls in the film more to do.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks man. I liked the heightened a,big unity of the characters, Coppola let us make up our own minds about them as the story unfolded. I thought the little girl who played Amy was excellent.
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ninvoid99 said:
Oona Lawrence is amazing. I also recommend seeing her in Southpaw and Bad Moms.
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vinnieh said:
I knew I’d seen her face before.
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Dr. Rex said:
Hi! Excellent review …. interesting! I suggest you review Drive Baby. I just saw it today. 🙏🏽
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting. I’ve been hearing a lot about the movie you mention.
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Dr. Rex said:
Please, let me know if and when you review it!! Peace … __/l\__
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vinnieh said:
I promise that you will be the first person to know.
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Dr. Rex said:
LOL …. TY!! __/l\__
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raistlin0903 said:
This movie seems to be gathering a lot of praise, and after having read your review for it, it really sounds like a movie that I really want to watch. The premise sounds interesting and I usually love dark movies. Thanks for a very impressive and well written review 😊
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vinnieh said:
It’s a splendidly executed movie. I’m hoping you get to see it soon. The dark atmosphere and subtlety make it something great, it never gets too in your face as it knows the power of suggestion.
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raistlin0903 said:
Dark atmosphere is something that I highly enjoy, so if that is in a movie, it already get bonus points from me. I hope to see it soon 😊
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vinnieh said:
You can feel the tension and sexual unease trying to get out in this film, all within the shadowy confines of the school.
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Paul. Writer and Filmmaker said:
Great review, however, aside from the amazing cinematography, costume design and decent performances, I felt it was completely lacking in drama and suspense. The build up was fantastic but there were no pay-offs to the repressed sexuality and thematically I found Coppola had nothing to say on the Civil War, sexual temptation or the damaging impact of patriarchy in a matriarchal world. Very disappointed with the end story. It just fizzled out after a very promising start. The atmosphere and suspense were way better in the original.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting Paul. It was a tad too gentle at times but I bought into it. I think it was definitely different from the 71 version in a variety of ways. As always, I respect your opinion on the matter. Have you reviewed it? If so, I’ll give your review a look.
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Paul. Writer and Filmmaker said:
I haven’t reviewed it yet as I’m working on some other writing stuff at the moment. I doubt I’d have much more to say than that above. I just felt the dramatic stage of the film after he “falls” down the stairs was way too short.
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vinnieh said:
I promise to catch up with your blog.
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Paul. Writer and Filmmaker said:
Cheers
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vinnieh said:
I’ve been slacking because I have been busy.
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Paul. Writer and Filmmaker said:
Yes, well life gets like that so hope all is well 😀
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vinnieh said:
Oh everything is great, thanks for asking.
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dbmoviesblog said:
Nice review. I am glad to read your positive opinion and I hope I will like it as much as you do. I also read some recent negativity on this film, but given the story and it is Sofia Coppola, I just cannot imagine not liking it!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting. It’s not a movie for everyone as I think some think it is too subtle. But for me the suggestion and atmosphere was expressed in a nuanced way that did the story justice. Coppola’s female perspective was a good touch too.
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Keith said:
Awesome! Great to hear you had such a good reaction to it as well. One of my favorites of the year.
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vinnieh said:
Cheers Keith. I think the subtlety and slow building tension was really apparent in this version. And the lack of music for the most part brought more attention to the characters, who all had interesting dimension to them. And that final frame was so haunting!
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Keith said:
Yes to every point. And that final frame is incredible. So haunting and so much lingering uncertainty. Loved it.
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vinnieh said:
Man, it is hard to get out of the mind. As I said in the review, it spoke volumes.
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Tvor said:
I’ve loved the original and it makes me nervous to see this version. I’ll probably wait for it to come to dvd but your review is very good.
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vinnieh said:
This is an extremely different take. More from a woman’s point of view and with a lot more mystery to the characters.
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The Telltale Mind said:
Liked the original, so I might have to give this one a shot.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a very different version. It has a lot more mystery, depth and nuance to it. Plus, it is shot from a female perspective.
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preppypinkpiglet said:
Sounds interesting 🙂 I absolutely adore Colin Farrell 😍
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vinnieh said:
It’s a very tense movie. Not in that it’s got tons of action, more in the slowly growing mood of desire trying to break free. You get to see a bit of Colin Farrell here.
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sati said:
Great review! Glad to read the performances are strong particularly from Rice who was so amazing in last year’s Nice Guys
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vinnieh said:
It’s a really atmospheric movie. The tension quitely builds as each of the girls begins to take a shine to him and jealousy brews. It gets very dark later on.
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alexraphael said:
I like the sound of this!
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vinnieh said:
It’s a really well executed movie. Coppola does a fine job of making the material mysterious.
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tayoulevy said:
Reblogged this on Tayoulevy’s Weblog.
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MovieManJackson said:
Hate that I missed this!
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vinnieh said:
When it comes out on DVD, I recommend it.
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matthewdolman94 said:
Have yet to see this! I want to review it myself soon
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vinnieh said:
You should definitely check it out. And I must say, your blog is pretty amazing.
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matthewdolman94 said:
Too many movies, too little time- I do my best to see them! Haha, thanks, it’s early days though. Yours isn’t too bad either! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for your comments and support.
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guiltypleasurelove said:
Nice
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for your comment, I found this movie so riveting. And I will be frequenting your blog to read your work soon.
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