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Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde (1920), a review by Danae Cassandra

Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde
Year of Release: 1920
Directed By: John S. Robertson
Starring: John Barrymore, Charles Lane, George Stevens, Brandon Hurst
Genre: Horror

Overview:
The fifth American screen version, many regard this as the greatest of all adaptations of Stevenson's classic tale with Barrymore's performance being one of cinema's finest (equally as many regard his performance as excessive and place the 1932 version, with Frederic March, above it). Though it is often claimed that Barrymore used no make up for his transformation scenes this not strictly true. The first change from Jekyll to Hyde was achieved by the actor dislocating his jaw and contorting his facial features but thereafter makeup was used.

My Thoughts:
This is a very good film, held up almost entirely by Barrymore's excellent, chilling portrayal.  His Jeckyll is suitably altruistic in the beginning and conflicted, troubled, remorseful - but unable to cease giving in - after his transformation.  Barrymore's Hyde, meanwhile, is as menacing, distasteful and evil as one can imagine - yet still a charismatic character when he wants to be.  It's a fabulous performance, and one can easily see why Barrymore was one of the most celebrated actors of his day.

The rest of the film is up to snuff, if not as excellent as Barrymore.  The script is relatively tight and moves quickly, and the supporting cast are fine in their roles.  If the acting styles seem a bit broad, a bit over-the-top, or the makeup seems, maybe, more than a bit heavy, one must consider that this film was released in 1920, and as a silent film has different conventions than modern film making.  Silent films owe much more to stage productions, where such things are the norm.

Worth watching - both for its own merits and as a classic piece of silent film.  Recommended.

Bechdel Test: Fail

Overall: 3.5/5

(From Month Long Horror/Halloween Marathon on October 21st, 2014)

Iris, a review by Rich

Iris



The powerful true story based on John Bayley's novels that earned Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge) an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Judi Dench (Shakespeare In Love) a BAFTA Award for Best Leading Actress and Kate Winslet (Titanic) an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Judi Dench and Kate Winslet bring to the screen one of the most extraordinary women of the 20th Century, celebrated English author Iris Murdoch. As told by her unlikely soulmate, husband John Bayley, Iris first became known as a brilliant young scholar at Oxford whose boundless spirit dazzled those around her. During a remarkable career as a novelist and philosopher, she continued to prove herself a woman ahead of her time. Even in later life, as age and illness robbed Iris of her remarkable gifts, nothing could diminish her immense influence or weaken the bond with her devoted husband.

Sensitive, moving and emotional classy movie from the UK, a film that portrays perhaps 2 of the best actors in recent history at their finest, Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent. If tears do not come to the viewer at many times in the 2nd half of this film, they must have concrete hearts. Based on the true story of Iris Murdoch, the movie captivates from start to finish, and tackles a really difficult subject of Alzheimers in a touching and focussed manner. The affectionate devoted relationship between the 2 is heart-warming, and the wonderful way the director switches between the young couple and then the old, makes you feel totally part of the story and understanding the frightening confusion and desperation that hits Iris.
Painfully honest portrayal of not just a celebrity, but a frightening illness. Please buy it.
 

** Kate Winslet mini-marathon


(From Riches Random Reviews on August 2nd, 2009)

"Due South" marathon, a review by Tom

2.13 White Men Can't Jump to Conclusions (1996-04-04)
Writer: Paul Haggis (Created By), David Shore (Writer)
Director: Steve DiMarco
Cast: Paul Gross (Constable Benton Fraser), David Marciano (Detective Ray Vecchio), Beau Starr (Lt. Harding Welsh), Tony Craig (Detective Jack Huey), Catherine Bruhier (Elaine), Camilla Scott (Inspector Margaret Thatcher), Leonard Roberts (Tyree), Chauncy B. Raglin-Washington (Reggie), Isiah Thomas (Himself), Tab Baker (Lou Robbins), Alison Sealy-Smith (Mrs. Cameron), Lloyd White (Neighbour), Dayo Ade (Thug #1 (Trevor)), Mark Taylor (Punk #1), Merwin Mondesir (Punk #2), Neville Edwards (Boot Carrier)

A dull episode. The best scene was when Dief was playing Lassie but turns out that he was "crying wolf"

Rating:

(From "Due South" marathon on August 23rd, 2009)