Powerful acting from leads Liam Neeson, Natasha Richardson and Jodie Foster dominates this tale concerning a 'wild woman' from rugged mountain country who is forced into mainstream society when her elderly mother passes away and can no longer take care of her and keep her sheltered from the outside world.
Director Michael Apted has taken a theme that is not a new one, and shaped it into a strong drama about how an unpolluted human being can transform those who have suppressed their emotions in the outside world merely through their purity. "Nell" contains a definite message in this light, and it's one we could all learn from. Apted takes everything very seriously in bringing William Nicholson's screenplay to celluloid, while carefully balancing things with a gentle humour. His competence is most evident early on and continues through the middle of the narrative, yet towards the end one gets the feeling "Nell" is trying too hard to say something. The final court scene is effective, but perhaps a little unnecessary (attempting the quintessential tear jerker maybe). Everything is just too nicely wrapped up.
The cinematography is wonderful as it captures the splendid locale beautifully, and Mark Isham's score is truly soulful, but let's get back to the movie's real strength.
Jodie Foster is a true prodigy, even though she may not be at her best, she manages to deliver an unbridled performance, holding your attention with ease whenever she is on the screen. Her earthy beauty makes her look all the more natural, and she maintains complete control with seemingly no effort. Foster is an actress unparalleled among her contemporaries.
Tuesday, February 14, 1995 - Village Southland
Director Michael Apted has taken a theme that is not a new one, and shaped it into a strong drama about how an unpolluted human being can transform those who have suppressed their emotions in the outside world merely through their purity. "Nell" contains a definite message in this light, and it's one we could all learn from. Apted takes everything very seriously in bringing William Nicholson's screenplay to celluloid, while carefully balancing things with a gentle humour. His competence is most evident early on and continues through the middle of the narrative, yet towards the end one gets the feeling "Nell" is trying too hard to say something. The final court scene is effective, but perhaps a little unnecessary (attempting the quintessential tear jerker maybe). Everything is just too nicely wrapped up.
The cinematography is wonderful as it captures the splendid locale beautifully, and Mark Isham's score is truly soulful, but let's get back to the movie's real strength.
Jodie Foster is a true prodigy, even though she may not be at her best, she manages to deliver an unbridled performance, holding your attention with ease whenever she is on the screen. Her earthy beauty makes her look all the more natural, and she maintains complete control with seemingly no effort. Foster is an actress unparalleled among her contemporaries.
Tuesday, February 14, 1995 - Village Southland