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Hotel Du Lac [1986]
![Hotel Du Lac [1986]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513ZZTQ8DVL._SL160_.jpg)
Brookner's apparently slight but multi-layered tale is skilfully crafted by writer Christopher Hampton, who has with such films as Dangerous Liaisons (1988) and The Quiet American (2002) become a master of literary adaptation. Giles Foster's direction focuses on bringing the best from his cast, rather than attempting any sort of cinematic sweep, and Carl Davis' eloquent theme music makes the introspection all the more touching. Ultimately, though, it is Anna Massey's insightful central performance which makes Hotel du Lac such a memorable slice of television. On the DVD: Hotel du Lac is presented in the original TV broadcast 4:3 ratio with a very poor, extremely grainy and soft picture. The sound is reasonable mono, clear and free from distortion though lacking in dynamic range. The only extra, though one well worth having, is a serious and highly informative commentary from Giles, Hampton and producer Sue Birtwistle. --Gary S Dalkin
RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £2.86 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Hotel du Lac is an impeccably produced BBC television adaptation of Anita Brookner's Booker Prize-winning novel. Middle-aged writer Edith Hope has fled London and romantic disappointment to find sanctuary at a luxury hotel on a Swiss Lake, but finding no escape from her loneliness must eventually face her past. Edith is played with compassion by Anna Massey, her intellect and wit acting as a defence against her own failings, and support comes from a superb cast including Denholm Elliott, Googie Withers, Julia McKenzie, Patricia Hodge, Irene Handl and Barry Foster.
Hotel Du lac
Review date: 2007-09-20 Rating: 10 out of 10
Lovely slow production, and very typical of mid-80's British TV. The "very poor" picture quality spoken of by another reviewer is a little misleading. At the time of production it was quite normal for BBC drama to be made on basically 16mm news film stock. This is what we have here in Hotel Du Lac. This DVD is the best quality that could exist, even striking a new print would not produce better results. If you are a British viewer you will recognise this "look" instantly, its not too bad and for me adds something.
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Reviews
Hotel du Lac
Review date: 2005-04-18 Rating: 10 out of 10
An intelligently acted and subtly portrayed interpretation of Anita Brookner's novel. Anna Massey in particular conveys her character's emotions with facial expression as much as with word.
THE SWISS EXPERIENCE
Review date: 2005-02-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
If you have ever had problems which needed to be sorted out this film shows you how to do it.
Anna Massey plays a romantic novelist. Although she creates characters for her books, she cant read real people and knows nothing about human nature.
The guests in the Hotel du Lac where she goes to escape, are anything but what she believes them to be...
All the characters are living un-real lives, Googie Withers as the overbearing mother, Denholm Elliot as the philandering wanderer, Patricia Hodge as the child longing wife and Irene Handel as the abandonded old lady are all brought to life by wonderful acting.
The location of the film, the Swiss Lakes in Autumn, gives the film a luminous quality that gradually overtakes everthing else.
This gentle film probes the depths of the human condition and over the course of her stay she learns what means the most in her life.
A wonderful film to curl up with on a Winters Evening......
Hotel du Lac
Review date: 2003-10-22 Rating: 10 out of 10
This, I consider to be a classic film, which each and every time I view, brings enourmous pleasure. The casting is impeccable. Irene Handl is remembered by her many comedy roles and this, I believe, was her first rerious role which she executes with aplomb. Denholm Elliot is excellent as a calculating divorcee, Googie Withers is superb as a wealthy widow and Julie McKenkie as her over indulged daughter. Patricia Hodge comes up with a performance quintessentially British upper class. Not only are we treated to this superb drama, but it is set partly in the most beautiful backdrop of lakeland Switzerland in the autumn in a luxury hotel.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Googie Withers
Denholm Elliott
Anna Massey
Julia McKenzie
Patricia Hodge
Creators:
Anna Massey (Primary Contributor)
Denholm Elliott (Primary Contributor)
Kenneth MacMillan (Cinematographer)
Dick Allen (Editor)
Sue Birtwistle (Producer)
Anita Brookner (Writer)
Christopher Hampton (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503122621
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2003-05-26
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 75 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1986-03-02
Language: English (Original Language)