An Education

Tags

2000's, Alfred Molina, An Education, Cara Seymour, Carey Mulligan, Coming-of-Age, Dominic Cooper, Drama, Emma Thompson, Lone Scherfig, Olivia Williams, Peter Sarsgaard, Rosamund Pike

Film Title

An Education

Director

Lone Scherfig

Starring

• Carey Mulligan as Jenny Mellor
• Peter Sarsgaard as David Goldman
• Dominic Cooper as Danny
• Rosamund Pike as Helen
• Alfred Molina as Jack Mellor
• Cara Seymour as Marjorie Mellor
• Olivia Williams as Miss Stubbs
• Emma Thompson as Miss Walters

A delightfully rendered coming-of-age story based on a memoir by Lynn Barber, that captures its setting excellently and has both humour and seriousness in it, An Education encompasses something very charming and bittersweet.

It is 1961; Jenny Mellor is a bright, pretty and sheltered 16-year-old girl living in Twickenham, London. Her parents, mainly her pushy father Jack, are pressuring her to study hard so she can go to Oxford. Yet Jenny is restless with this and wants to experience something fun and exciting in a world that she sees as very boring. Into her life in a shiny car comes the much older David Goldman. He is a charming and cultured man who despite being almost twice her age, gives Jenny a lift home when she is caught in rain. Jenny is completely bowled over by the handsome stranger and becomes dreamy about him. As he begins to show an interest in her, Jenny’s plans for Oxford are put on hold and slide away as she immerses herself in the glamorous world that David offers, where she meets his friends partner in crime Danny and his oblivious girlfriend Helen. Yet David, while able to please everyone around him including Jenny’s parents, is clearly up to something that puzzles Jenny. It seems the journey for her is going to leave her with two choices. Is the cosmopolitan lifestyle that Jenny has become immersed in, thanks to David, really worth sacrificing a place at Oxford for? And just what will come from the relationship with David, who is clearly not all he seems?

Danish director Lone Scherfig’s largely unfussy but very personal direction explores the social mores of the time, when you can just about feel that big changes in the world are literally just around the corner. She places us in the story and we witness like Jenny, the chance of escape into something that looks so thrilling, but could very well be the opposite. The script by Nick Hornby combines humour with the burgeoning drama, in an effortless an understated manner. And while most of the exercise is very charming and apparently light, underneath it and emerging is the seriousness that rightfully connects with us as the glamorous world that we see may not be all it is cracked up to be for Jenny. Because of this, a bittersweet harmony between the fun and the moving is crafted with adroit skill and An Education soars in its evocation of this young girl’s journey that brings her both happiness and sorrow. An Education wisely sidesteps becoming overly nostalgic and mawkish, thanks to the greatness of everyone involved with the project. It is a credit to the film that the central part of Jenny falling in love with David and being taken in by him is not viewed as creepy or seedy. Sure the character of David is a little sleazy, but the relationship shared for the most part stays on the right side of curious and a little poignant, without the need to become tawdry. The representation and recreation of the early 60’s before it was swinging is beautiful in construction and really shows a glamour that is to Jenny what she has been searching for. Some of the action sags in the middle part, but is quickly redeemed by the moving examination of Jenny’s journey that captures your attention with its naturalness and believability.

The glowing and beating heart at the core of An Education is the stunning work from Carey Mulligan. She boasts something akin to Audrey Hepburn with the playfulness and innocence she projects in the part which is simply magnificent. But Mulligan also displays that Jenny is smart(sometimes a little too smart for her own good) and clearly no fool, she just craves a sense of something extraordinary which I’m sure even now is something that a lot of teenagers can relate to. Jenny just wants some fun and adventure in her life so it isn’t really surprising that she is so taken in by David and the glamorous life he leads her into. Carey Mulligan sells everything about the character so subtly and beautifully that even when the character of Jenny is making decisions that in the long run may be bad, we can see why she is doing it and the reasoning. This was a star making performance from Carey Mulligan, who since this film has become one of my favourite and most reliable actresses. Surrounding Mulligan is an outstandingly assembled cast of greats who contribute something to each of their respective parts. Peter Sarsgaard strikes the right balance of smooth talking sophistication and a lingering sense of darkness, though like Jenny the effectiveness of the performance lies in how he takes people over, not least the audience. Dominic Cooper plays David’s right hand man, who while still a charmer offers Jenny support and foreshadows what David may truly be like. Rosamund Pike is a hoot as the fashion plate bimbo with all the eye rolling and hysterical lines to match. Case in point after hearing that Jenny scored a B on her Latin exam, she exclaims ” Someone told me that in about 50 years, no one will speak Latin, probably. Not even Latin people.” It is amusing comic gold to watch. The always good Alfred Molina turns in a finely tuned performance as Jenny’s domineering, penny-pinching father, who is actually just looking out for his daughter’s needs. He is both an amusing and melancholy character, who wants to be there for his daughter yet due to his old-fashioned attitudes is puzzled by her at the same time. Cara Seymour ably supports Molina as his wife, who is always trying to quell disagreements in her household. Olivia Williams is on hand for a moving delivery as the inspiring schoolteacher who gives Jenny some very strong advice in helping decide her future. Emma Thompson has a ball with her small role as the disapproving headmistress, who doesn’t take too kindly to Jenny’s plans to leave school for an older man.

A charming but very observant picture of teenage curiosity and the heart versus the head, An Education provides a well mounted picture of a certain time and a beautiful performance from Carey Mulligan.

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Pride & Prejudice

Tags

2000's, Brenda Blethyn, Carey Mulligan, Donald Sutherland, Jane Austen, Jena Malone, Joe Wright, Judi Dench, Keira Knightley, Kelly Reilly, Matthew Macfadyen, Period Drama, Pride & Prejudice, Romance, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods, Talulah Riley, Tom Hollander

Film Title

Pride & Prejudice

Director

Joe Wright

Starring

• Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet
• Matthew Macfadyen as Mr Darcy
• Brenda Blethyn as Mrs Bennet
• Donald Sutherland as Mr Bennet
• Rosamund Pike as Jane Bennet
• Carey Mulligan as Kitty Bennet
• Jena Malone as Lydia Bennet
• Tom Hollander as Mr Collins
• Simon Woods as Mr Bingley
• Judi Dench as Lady Catherine de Bourgh
• Kelly Reilly as Caroline Bingley
• Talulah Riley as Mary Bennet

Based on the classic novel by Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice is a vibrant and witty version of the source material that brings the themes of misconceptions, social standing and matchmaking into a context that modern viewers can enjoy, but purists can appreciate as well.

In 18th Century England, the Bennet family are part of the Landed Gentry, who whilst not poor by any means are far off being rich. The family comprises of the nervous but determined Mrs Bennett, her eye-rolling and sagacious husband Mr Bennett and their five daughters; beautiful but modest Jane, stubborn and spirited Elizabeth, plain Mary, coquettish Lydia and childlike Kitty . As women can’t inherit property at this time, the house will pass to the nearest male relative, in this case it is a distant cousin Mr Collins. Mrs Bennett has her heart set on marrying her girls to secure their future, but the second eldest Elizabeth is headstrong and not fond of the idea of matrimony. When Mrs Bennet hears that a nearby hall is to be purchased by an eligible bachelor Mr Bingley, she’s sees the opening ball as a perfect way to find suitors for her daughters. It is here that Elizabeth meets the snobbish but broodingly handsome Mr Darcy, who she takes an immediate dislike to because of his proud nature. While Jane is obviously taken with the kindly Mr Bingley, the spark has been lit between Darcy and Elizabeth, and although neither will admit it, they soon begin to develop feelings for one another. But can a relationship survive because of Darcy’s sullen and proud attitude? And can the waspish Elizabeth truly love a man she has sworn to hate? Watch as this delightful version of the story unfolds with humour and vivacity as morality, romance and family form the backbone to the timeless tale.

Joe Wright directs Pride & Prejudice with a fluidity that gives the story a constant movement as romance changes between characters and misconceptions are rectified. Yet rather than focus on the quaint beauty that many a period drama centers on, he injects Pride & Prejudice with a modernity, while still retaining the acute social observations of etiquette and manners from Jane Austen’s source. Yes many of the locations used are beautiful, but they don’t overpower the story and this gives this take on the book a much more realistic tone than a romanticized one. A standout scene have to be the confrontation and later exclamation of love between Darcy and Elizabeth, whilst they shelter from the pouring rain. The chemistry between the two characters is most evident here, and they may quarrel with each other, but we can see that there is passion beneath the surface that is waiting to be released. Also, worth mentioning is the two would be lovers who can’t sleep taking a walk and meeting one another in the misty morning, just as the first rays of the sun emerge. The excellent script allows for humour and drama in a dynamic way that perfectly compliment one another. It also gives us a gallery of interesting characters, all caught up in the machinations of dating and social status. A gentle but urgent score is a beautiful thing to listen to as the gliding rhythms of the piano and strings give voice to the unspoken passions and initial indifference between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy.

Keira Knightley makes for an excellent Elizabeth Bennet, giving her an independence, stubbornness and charm that is a joy to watch. Knightley makes the role her own with her expressive face, witty tongue and glint of playfulness in her eyes. She has great chemistry with Matthew Macfadyen as the two characters lock horns with a mixture of intellect and barbed observations. Macfadyen plays Darcy as a snobbish and sullen bachelor. He gives Darcy an insolence but also a kindness, as we witness his proud state of mind altered and forever changed by the spirited Elizabeth. Brenda Blethyn is a hoot as the caring but highly strung mother who wants all her daughters married, while Donald Sutherland contributes a firm but warm performance as her observant husband. Rosamund Pike makes for a radiant Jane. Carey Mulligan and Jena Malone are funny as two of the younger sisters who flirt and giggle, usually at the most inappropriate times. Tom Hollander is simpering and nervous as a possible suitor and the man who stands to inherit the house, while Simon Woods is charming and polite as Jane’s suitor Mr Bingley. Only appearing briefly but making a scene-stealing impression is Judi Dench as the haughty lady with many opinions on those she deems beneath her. Kelly Reilly is suitably bitchy as Caroline Bingley, who does not approve of the family but Talulah Riley isn’t given enough to do as the plain sister Mary.

A spirited triumph filled with humour and romance, Pride & Prejudice is a handsomely produced period drama with a wide range of appeal, due to its excellent direction, witty screenplay and fine performances.

Never Let Me Go

Tags

2010's, Andrew Garfield, Carey Mulligan, Charlotte Rampling, Drama, Keira Knightley, Mark Romanek, Never Let Me Go, Sally Hawkins, Science Fiction

Film Title

Never Let Me Go

Director

Mark Romanek

Starring

• Carey Mulligan as Kathy H
• Andrew Garfield as Tommy D
• Keira Knightley as Ruth C
• Sally Hawkins as Miss Lucy
• Charlotte Rampling as Miss Emily
• Isobel Meikle-Small as Young Kathy
• Ella Purnell as Young Ruth
• Charlie Rowe as Young Tommy

Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go is a haunting evocation on the subject of mortality. Capturing the mournful undercurrents of the story and featuring three impressive central performances, Mark Romanek directs this poignant story of the human soul.

To the outside world, Hailsham looks like any other boarding school. Yet it is far from it. In the opening frames of the movie, the audience sees things that seem somewhat different to the expectations of an English boarding school. The students scan their wrists on sensors around the school and take unnamed tablets every morning. For Kathy, Tommy and Ruth, this is the way they have been brought up, yet there is the lingering feeling that something isn’t quite right about the schools ethos. Narrated by Kathy, we witness the three central characters growing up in this peculiar environment in which they are forbidden to pass the boundary separating the school from the outside world. This isolating existence adds to the enigmas surrounding the trio. When they learn their destiny from their new teacher Miss Lucy, which I won’t divulge for fear of spoiling it, it changes everything about them. Years later, the characters are grown up and have left Hailsham for somewhere else. Yet there is still the searching for answers regarding their fate that plagues quiet Kathy, awkward Tommy and jealous Ruth. Kathy is in love with Tommy but as she doesn’t want to upset the balance of friendship stays quiet as he courts Ruth. The jealousy and tenuous link at many times almost breaks as they navigate their way through realisation, grief and love. For the trio, a normal life is not an option and various questions are posed throughout Never Let Me Go surrounding the human soul and the nature of existence. Poignant, poetic and profound, Never Let Me Go asks many questions of us an audience and all we can do is witness the sadness, emotions and strange beauty of the film that will haunt almost anyone who sees it.

Alex Garland’s screenplay sensitively depicts the realisation of events and the effect it has on the close friendship shared between these characters with no knowledge of the outside world. By parts science fiction and drama with a romance at the heart, Never Let Me Go manages to balance these with stunning and powerful results. Mark Romanek’s subtle direction frames the story in melancholy and evocative colours which allows the story to reveal certain surprising points with a quiet unpredictability and intelligence. Rachel Portman contributes a stunning score of love, anguish and closeness that really lends the film a massive emotional impact as these characters decipher their shocking destiny and are faced with difficult decisions.

What really gives Never Let Me Go an emotional heart is the three central performances of Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley. Carey Mulligan is the most effective in her portrayal of Kathy, who narrates the story. Some may say the role seems passive, when actually it is filled with quiet, determined emotion and a certain weariness that Mulligan excellent embodies with deep pathos and skill. It is a role filled with passion, intelligence and power that Carey Mulligan delivers with deep emotional weight. Andrew Garfield contributes a wide-eyed naive quality to Tommy as he journeys through a discovery for the truth whilst dealing with his feelings for both Kathy and Ruth. Garfield is very subtle but hugely impressive in this role, and when he releases his emotion later on in the film it is such a harrowing moment. Rounding out the troika is Keira Knightley’s performance as Ruth, whose jealousy burns as she sees how Kathy clearly adores her boyfriend. But Knightley intelligently doesn’t make Ruth a one-dimensional character, she shows us the caring side that want to hold on to her friends and the aggressive side that surfaces when provoked.  All of the actors portraying the characters as children are exceptional as they have an uncanny resemblance to their older characters and possess deep emotions for people so young. Sally Hawkins has a brief but highly emotional role as the teacher who informs the students of their destiny and Charlotte Rampling is suitably imperious and enigmatic as the headmistress of Hailsham.

Crafted with poignancy and full of deep, far-reaching themes, Never Let Me Go is a haunting film that will live long in the memory.