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Mary Reilly [1996] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
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Our Price: £3.80 (subject to change)
atmospheric
Review date: 2008-06-22 Rating: 8 out of 10
I'd watched half of this film a while back but for some reason had never bothered to finish it, I'm so consumed with watching films that sometimes i trip over myself in eagerness to watch as many as possible, resulting in missing out on half the storylines!!This film was a brilliant, edgy thriller based on Jekyll and Hyde with Julia Roberts as the shy and naive maid whom fnds out about the Dr's weird and wacky disease. A very interesting concept and some great performances from Roberts and Malkovich whom happens to be one of my favourites. Well worth the watch on a windy and scary night.
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Reviews
A Twist on the Classic Horror Film
Review date: 2007-10-06 Rating: 8 out of 10
This movie has an interesting twist on the classic horror film. We are able to watch what transpires within the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde from the view of a chambermaid's perspective. This chambermaid, Mary Reilly, is played quite well by Julia Roberts. Mary Reilly is a poor girl who had a horrible childhood and feels the safety of security brought about by working in the house of a rich and distinguished doctor. Of course unlike normal servants of the time, she is able to read and becomes very inquisitive about her masters business. Mr. John Malkovich does a perfect job of showing the ongoing conflict between good and evil contained within each of us in his portrayal of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. As the good doctor he is a kindly man of science. But as Mr. Hyde all his inhabitations are gone, as are his morals and conscience.
This film takes the horror film and turns into a film that keeps you suspended in the dark as you watch the mystery unfold for the chambermaid. The movie is not a true classic horror film or one of the modern films of gore. Do not expect to be frighten and do not be surprised when the audience seems to be the only ones that can see it is obvious that Dr. Jekyll is Mr. Hyde. Other then that, both leads give a satisfactory performance and the film is worth watching.
DARK, DISMAL AND DOWNRIGHT BORING
Review date: 2007-07-29 Rating: 2 out of 10
A great disappointment, I am a huge fan of Julia Roberts and have come to expect far better from her. One cannot deny that she tried with the limited script she was given but at her level of popularity she could be a lot more choosey in the rolls she portrays. John Malkovich plays two parts, his Dr. Jeckyll is very good but his Mr. Hyde is weak and far less malevolent than George Coles` butler. Kathy Staff does well as the house keeper/cook but was far more convincing in "Last of the Summer Wine". All in all a very poor show all round.
"He came out of the dark like he was made of it."
Review date: 2005-01-04 Rating: 8 out of 10
In the great tradition of Gothic horror films, Mary Reilly updates the classic Robert Louis Stevenson novella, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The screenplay by Christopher Hampton, from the novel by Valerie Martin, changes the focus from the bizarre transformation of Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde, his evil alterego, and creates instead a tension-filled relationship between the dark and "misunderstood" Dr. Jekyll and his young and proper housemaid, Mary Reilly. Despite (or perhaps because of) the abuse she has suffered at the hands of her father, Mary does not run from Dr. Jekyll, though she always seems fearful. He confides in her about his research and gives her a sense of value which she does not receive from any other source.
Julia Roberts as the very repressed Mary, plays most of the film through her expressive eyes, which reveal her fear and her moods. Little dialogue is necessary, as John Malkevich, as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, sneers, threatens, and dissembles, while also conveying a vulnerability to which Mary Reilly responds. The cast of other house servants is outstanding, but Glenn Close as the off-the-wall madam Mrs. Farraday, steals the show, playing the role in her nastiest Cruella DeVille mode. The Victorian setting is beautifully conveyed, from the claustrophic interiors of the bawdy house to the stark black and white interior of Jekyll's laboratory, and the costuming reflects the same color palette.
The cinematography takes advantage of architectural components, filming from above catwalks in Dr. Hyde's laboratory, through windows, around doorways and halls, and from under tables. Additional scenes of dark, foggy weather are used to great advantage as a contrast to the brightness and butchery in the markets, hospital autopsy rooms, and Mrs. Farraday's accommodations.
The psychological portrait of Dr. Jekyll and his "evil twin," Mr. Hyde have been discussed for over a hundred years, and this film does not add anything new to that portrait. The inclusion of Mary Reilly, however, is a new twist, one which might have been more believable if her own psychological motivation for remaining in Dr. Jekyll's household had been more fully developed. The special effects as Dr. Jekyll wrestles with his inner demon are compelling and unique, but the ending just peters out, offering no emotional resolution or intellectual conclusion regarding Mary Reilly. Great fun for fans of Gothic horror. Mary Whipple
Brilliant!
Review date: 2004-08-05 Rating: 10 out of 10
When i first saw the title for this film i assumed that it would be another soppy love story but it isn't! Bith Julia and John are amazing actors and really do work well together! I now have this film on DVD, VHS and BOOK! I love the darkness and cockiness of Edward Hyde and the honest but shyful Mary Reilly! A must own film!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Julia Roberts
Kathy Staff
Michael Gambon
John Malkovich
George Cole
Creators:
Julia Roberts (Primary Contributor)
John Malkovich (Primary Contributor)
Iain Smith (Producer)
Lynn Pleshette (Producer)
Nancy Graham Tanen (Producer)
Ned Tanen (Producer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Columbia TriStar
Manufacturer: Columbia TriStar
EAN: 9780767848848
Binding: DVD
ISBN: 0767848845
Number of items: 1
Format: Closed-captioned, Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC,
Release date: 2000-09-12
Universal product code (UPC): 043396110526
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 108 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1996-02-23
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Original Language)
Language: Portuguese (Original Language)