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The Wings Of The Dove [1998]
![The Wings Of The Dove [1998]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WGHB5TBNL._SL160_.jpg)
Set in turn-of-the-century London and Venice, Wings of the Dove is a stately departure--more PBS than MTV--for Iain Softley, director of Hackers and the birth-of-the-Beatles biopic Backbeat. But there's enough romantic intrigue to perhaps fuel a week's worth of daytime TV talk shows: My Lover Seduced a Dying Heiress for Her Money. Bonham Carter, who won several critics association honours for her performance (she was nominated for a Golden Globe and Oscar as well) stars as Kate, who is engaged in a secret affair with Merton (Linus Roache), a journalist whose poor financial standing makes marriage impossible. Kate's manipulative aunt (Charlotte Rampling) threatens to disown her unless she marries the more suitable Lord Mark (Alex Jennings). Opportunity--admittedly sordid--arrives in the form of Millie (Alison Elliott), an American heiress whom Kate befriends. When Kate learns that Millie is dying, she suggests to Merton that he seduce her to make her last days happy, and ensuring that Millie will leave Merton her money when she dies. Merton reluctantly agrees, just as Kate begins to have second thoughts that threaten to sabotage the scheme. One of the most rapturously reviewed films in recent years, Wings of the Dove is a must-own video for the Merchant-Ivory crowd. But guys: don't dismiss this as a "chick flick". Beneath its Masterpiece Theatre exterior beats the wild and untamed heart of Dawson's Creek. --Donald Liebenson
RRP: £14.99
Our Price: £3.98 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Queen of the costume drama Helena Bonham Carter finally got a chance to loosen her corset a bit with this exquisitely mounted (Sandy Powell's costumes were nominated for an Academy Award) romantic drama based on Henry James's classic novel.
a truly beautiful film
Review date: 2008-04-09 Rating: 10 out of 10
Based on the novel by Henry James, `The Wings of the Dove' is a beautiful film both in terms of locations, story and acting.
Helena Bonham Carter plays Kate Croy, who after being taking on as a ward by her Aunt Maude, is forced to meet illicitly with her lower class lover Merton Densher (played by Linus Roache). When Kate discovers that her new friend Mille (played by Alison Elliot), a wealthy American heiress is terminally ill, she sets about enticing Merton to seduce Millie in order for Kate and Merton to be able to marry through the acquisition of her inheritance.
The cinematography of the film is simply stunning, especially the night scenes in Venice, the costumes too are beautifully made and in my opinion Helena Bonham Carter has never looked better; whilst she may not want to be known as a corset queen, it must be said that her performances in such period films are always superb. It is also obvious why Bonham Carter was Oscar nominated for the film, she succeeds playing a complex character and the scene where she writes a letter to Merton, terrified that her lover will fall in love with Millie is almost heartbreaking to watch, we can truly understand her pain, yet we also understand that this is a pain of her own design.
All in all, `The Wings of the Dove' is to be highly recommended, darker than your normal period drama; the film looks at human manipulation and jealously. The final love scene is incredibly emotive, the viewer can almost see the pain etched on the protagonists' faces, and indeed it is interesting that during an act of complete and utter intimacy, the two lovers have never been further apart from one another.
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Reviews
Love cannot be calculated,
Review date: 2007-10-22 Rating: 10 out of 10
Three reasons that this film shines:
1. An excellent screenplay that captures the gist of the novel and without getting bogged down.
2. Alison Elliot and Linus Roache outperform Helena Bonham Carter, no small feat, to create a special love.
3. Venice, shot so as to seem completely in the period of the story, makes it clear why this city was (and is) special.
This one is to be watched with a glass of good red wine.
Review date: 2007-04-25 Rating: 8 out of 10
If you liked 'A room with a view' (which I am waiting for Universal to publish PROPERLY on DVD. The current version is a mess), you are bound to enjoy this piece like I did.
Helena Bonham carter, Linus Roache, Alison Elliott and Charlotte Rampling (my favourite in this film) all play beautifully. They express the character's emotions in a very subtle yet effective way - just a glance, almost unhearable whispers, or even silence. Each scene is carefully crafted + shot. It is just like a series of beautiful paintings.
This one is to be watched with a glass of good red wine.
3 1/2 stars really!
Review date: 2007-03-27 Rating: 6 out of 10
Set in the early 1900's the movie focuses on the relationship (almost love triangle) between Kate, Millie and Merton. Kate and Merton have been together for about a year and although they want to marry he is not of the same social class. When Kate befriends Millie (who is rich) and finds out she is dying she hatches a plan for Merton to seduce her and inherit her fortune.
Of course these plans never do turn out to be that simple. Unfortunately the writers failed to come up with a decent climax/ twist in the tale. This knocks the whole thing down a few notches as it didn't live up to my expectations.
It is beautifully shot though with some wonderful settings. The acting brings out a lot of the story without the need of words.
All in all ends up being slightly above a so-so movie.
Gripping story of love, deceit and debasement
Review date: 2006-07-20 Rating: 8 out of 10
I thought this was a powerful film, with a gripping story of love, deceit and collective debasement. The finale to the film is particularly strong, especially a chilling final scene back in rainy London.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Elizabeth McGovern
Linus Roache
Charlotte Rampling
Helena Bonham Carter
Alison Elliott
Creators:
Helena Bonham Carter (Primary Contributor)
Linus Roache (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
EAN: 5017188882811
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2006-06-15
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 98 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1997-11-07
Language: English (Original Language)