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| Movie Review: The Constant Gardener Alternate Title: Murder Most Foul
Story: If you need more fuel
to feed your anger at big business or indifferent Government policies
and officials than this rage producing film wonderful is for you. It is based on the
John Le Carre novel with a screenplay by Jeffrey
Caine and brilliantly directed by the very talented Fernado
Meirelles (City of God). We get a combination love
story and thriller wrapped up in the dirty world of politics and multi-national
pharmaceutical companies. Mid-level English diplomat Justin Quayle meets
Tessa, a left wing. bold humanitarian and in a rushed courtship they
marry and move to Kenya. Through flashbacks we learn how their relationship
evolved and how she died. (The book has her dying on page one). Was
it a contract hit? What was she involved in? Why did she have to die?
The film centers around our quiet diplomat's transformation in seeking
the truth. It is a beautifully filmed piece (Cesar
Challone) and it left me with a profound sadness. I am sure
the recent events of hurricane Katrina added to my grief and sorrow.
This film is not for the timid. It is hard hitting
and makes you think. Please take the time to see it. You will be a better
person for having gone through the experience. Acting: Ralph Fiennes is brilliant
as Justin Quayle. He carries the weight of the world on his beautiful
shoulders. Rachel Weisz is a fine, fiery Tessa and
their on-screen chemistry is palpable. The rest of the ensemble cast
is excellent including Pete Postlewaite, Bill Nighy and
Danny Huston. Predilection: I like Ralph Fiennes
Critters: Livestock and horses.
Opening Titles: Titles are at the end.
Visual Art: An excellent juxtaposition of class differences
in the homes.
Theater Audience: There was not an empty seat in
the house on a Friday afternoon at 3PM.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 2 - Some of the scenes of the devastation
in Africa is hard to watch.
Tissue Usage: I wept.
Oscar Worthy: Yes. Ralph Fiennes should get a nod
and perhaps best screenplay from another source. Who knows, maybe Meirelles
will be tapped for best director?
Soap Box: There is too much anger in me right now
about the nightmare in Louisiana to get on this soap box. How poor people
are being treated throughout the world is shameful.
Nit Picking: No nits to pick.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure. For some
other Ralph Fiennes films, try renting: The End
of the Affair, Onegin, Sunshine, Oscar and Lucinda, The English Patient,
Strange Days, Quiz Show, Schindler's List and as the most wonderful
Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights.
Length: Two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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