Although this film contains few surprises the performances by the principle cast members are all very strong. William Hurt gives a fine performance as a staid and reserved husband to Madeline Stowe who in turn gives a wonderfully involved performance as a woman struggling both with her own intellect and identity as well as her faith as a Roman Catholic.
Kenneth Branagh is also compelling in the role of a Roman Catholic priest. Fine supporting performances from Blythe Danner and Neil Patrick Harris round out the cast.
The film itself is a quiet movie in which the story is allowed to unwind at a leisurely pace. The characters drive the movie, which is rare.
Although the movie lacks the subtle beauty of a Merchant/Ivory production, it does remind me of their films in some ways, though at times I got the feeling that the film makers where trying a little to hard for that sort of feeling without quite knowing how to achieve it. Lesli Glatter directs, and I think perhaps her experience with television did not translate very well into the big screen. Some of the film, particularly the outside sequences felt too much as if they were shot with a TV screen in mind.
The weakness of the film, I think, is that I couldn't quite believe the story that develops between Branagh and Stowe. Without giving too much away, their relationship somehow never quite rang true.
Still, over all, a film worth seeing; especially for fans of William Hurt.
Kenneth Branagh is also compelling in the role of a Roman Catholic priest. Fine supporting performances from Blythe Danner and Neil Patrick Harris round out the cast.
The film itself is a quiet movie in which the story is allowed to unwind at a leisurely pace. The characters drive the movie, which is rare.
Although the movie lacks the subtle beauty of a Merchant/Ivory production, it does remind me of their films in some ways, though at times I got the feeling that the film makers where trying a little to hard for that sort of feeling without quite knowing how to achieve it. Lesli Glatter directs, and I think perhaps her experience with television did not translate very well into the big screen. Some of the film, particularly the outside sequences felt too much as if they were shot with a TV screen in mind.
The weakness of the film, I think, is that I couldn't quite believe the story that develops between Branagh and Stowe. Without giving too much away, their relationship somehow never quite rang true.
Still, over all, a film worth seeing; especially for fans of William Hurt.