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GOSFORD PARK Send This Review to a Friend
Director Robert Altman's "Gosford Park" is the jewel of 2001 films, a crowning achievement that not only is an absolute joy to savor but bears repeat viewing because of the density of its assorted delights. The film, wittily scripted by Julian Fellowes, has it all--fabulous ensemble performances by one of the mightiest assemblages of British acting talent ever, great use of locations and interior sets, strikingly effective cinematography and an overall classy ambience in which a murder and the subsequent revelations unfold.
"Gosford Park" is set up on two levels. There is the upper class gathering for a weekend of hunting and the attendant invasion of colorful guests and their staffs. Meanwhile, we are privy to the employees who serve them from the huge home's lower level and have fascinating stories of their own that are gradually revealed. The drama, studded with humorous observations, is sort of a glorified "Upstairs/Downstairs" idea enhanced by a much more lavish treatment, deeper insights and headier entertainment qualities. Tremendous care obviously has been taken about nailing down the correct atmosphere for the 1930s period in which the film is set, from conveying the expertise and tradition of service to the costuming.
Altman is at his best in weaving together the disparate performances so that there is a feeling of spontaneity throughout, an elaboration upon the work method he favors. One need only mention the names of the cast members who play large roles and small to get a sense of what awaits a viewer--a huge cast that includes, among others, Michael Gambon, Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith, Charles Dance, Jeremy Northam, Bob Balaban, Alan Bates, Helen Mirren., Eileeen Atkins, Derek Jacobi, Emily Watson, Clive Owen, Stephen Fry and Kelly Macdonald.
The standouts are numerous, but in particular there are Michael Gambon as Sir William McCordle, the mean-spirited owner of the Gosford Park estate and Kristin Scott Thomas as his wife, Lady Sylvia; Maggie Smith in a superbly haughty performance as Lady Sylvia's aunt who is financially dependent on Sir William; Helen Mirren as the housekeeper; Eileen Atkins as the cook; Emily Watson as the head housemaid, who is having an affair with Sir William; Clive Owen as a valet, Bob Balaban as an American film producer visiting England to make a Charlie Chan movie, Ryan Phillippe as his valet, and Jeremy Northam as the only real-life character, the famous film star Ivor Novello.
I have seen the film twice, and the second time could observe more about the performances and the very busy, intricate relationships. The first time one naturally concentrates more on the story. The second time one more easily notices early clues to the revelations. As with all good murder mysteries, the fun isn't in the outcome but in the telling, the assortment of characters and the atmosphere created.
Film buffs may notice a surface plot similarity with Jean Renoir's 1939 masterpiece "Rules of the Game," in which there is a gathering at an estate for a hunt and revelations not only about the lives of the individuals but of the societal changes telegraphed on the eve of World War II. The pacing was much faster and the social explorations deeper, but "Gosford Park," while not in Renoir's league, is no slouch in its own examination of class differences and their consequences. It creates a world of its own with an insightful commentary on the abuses one class suffers at the hands of the other in various ways and with varied results.
"Gosford Park" towers as a rich, entertaining experience and is my choice as the best film of 2001. A USA Films release.
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