While I appreciate the expertise & execution of Mr. Solinas skilled review in his assessment viewing Hyde Park on Hudson as a boring biopic, ..... as one who was not alive during his administration, I appreciate the intimate "fly on the wall" look at one of this nation's (and the worlds) most iconic leaders his strengths, fears, and foibles as the world approached its second world war. I can't help believe that most people would jump at an opportunity to witness or learn what it was like for those involved and what was going on behind closed doors at such a fateful time. The movie was supposedly based upon a book written by a distant cousin who came to assist him during those difficult times only to become the latest object of his affections. It strips away the veneer that historic figures attain and shows such leaders are real people too not iconic cartoonish live action figurines. They are subject to same physical & emotional challenges, desires, fears, and inadequacies we all possess. Some of us achieve greatness, become leaders, and are viewed as heroes by some and the evil incarnate by others. We all try to envision what it was like to be such a person. In this peak behind the curtains we realize we were almost staring at our own reflection....not only our failings-but more importantly -our innate possibilities.
Richard Nelson's script portrays Roosevelt as both a master of political gamesmanship and a manipulator of the women around him -wife Eleanor (Olivia Williams), Daisy, and his private secretary, Missy (Elizabeth Marvel). Murray, who might not seem a first choice to portray Roosevelt, conveys both the President's charm and a dark side rarely seen in public. His Roosevelt is surely the ideal host, going out of his way to make his guests feel comfortable, happy, and welcome.
The film has a voyeuristic quality, with the audience as willing spectators checking out a Roosevelt who balances work and play while under enormous pressures from both his public responsibilities and private peccadilloes. It bogs down somewhat in a soap-opera subplot about Daisy discovering that she is only one in a long line of the President's lovers but, overall, the picture has a light touch and moves along briskly.
Bonus features on the Blu-ray and DVD releases include deleted
Buy Hyde Park on Hudson (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012) Now
This review is from: Hyde Park on Hudson (Amazon Instant Video)This is an unusual and remarkably private view of the life of FDR (Bill Murray). It is told mostly in first person from the view of Daisy (Laura Linney) his distant cousin and mistress. This story is based on her private letters and diaries discovered after her death. We have no reason to doubt them. As such the story is as much about her as it is FDR, a complex man whose multiple sides are now revealed to everyone. He was a nice philanderer.
The main point of plot interest is when the King and Queen of England come to America. England was headed for war with Germany and will desperately need our assistance. (Plot spoiler: We help the UK and win.) However they visit at a time when the President has mistress issues. They see him having to be carried from location to location. FDR has a way of charming, but at the same time humbling the monarchy. King Edward (Samuel West) was indeed remarkable and likeable.
There were several scenes I would stop and think. There is irony intricately laced within the dialouge of the scenes. I would find myself laughing at scenes after they had ended and I contemplated them for a moment.
The film whispers of old long debates of government vs. private sector, but stops short of making any overt statements. This is not your momma's fireside FDR.
It is a fascinating film for history buffs, and a bit of a chick film drama. I love how this film was intellectually crafted. Not for everyone. Laura Linney and Olivia Coleman (Queen Elizabeth) are Oscar nomination worthy.
Parental Guide: No f-bombs or nudity. There is a brief "hand gratification" early in the film.
Read Best Reviews of Hyde Park on Hudson (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012) Here
I first saw this film,in the theaters, because of Bill Murray. But don't expect Peter Venkman from "Ghostbusters" or Carl Spackler from "Caddyshack" This is Bill Murray performing as Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The character needed some comedian in it and Bill certainly delivered. Is this a love story? Possibly. A comedy? Maybe. A history? Definitely. This movie is a total Gem.Want Hyde Park on Hudson (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012) Discount?
Bill murray did a wonderful job portraying roosevelt. The story told a version of roosevelt I never knew about, never knew he was a lady's man.Save 43% Off
0 comments:
Post a Comment