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They are all in The Shipping News and there is not
the slightest hint of a need to call "abandon ship",
for the main players work brilliantly together and each of
their individual characters combine to make the vessel even
more seaworthy.
Throw in Pete Postlethwaite, Scott Glenn and Rhys Ifans in
support roles and you see this movie has class.
The Shipping News is a gloriously photographed portrait
of people trying to restart there lives after nasty traumas.
Heading the list is R.G. Quoyle (Spacey) whose hard life
has left him feeling like the ultimate loser. His dad hated
him, his trollope of wife deserts him and the only thing worthy
in his mundane existence as a newspaper ink-setter is his
daughter.
Judi Dench is his long-lost Aunt Agnis who is hiding tragedies
of her own and if you think the dame is tough in the Bond
series, then just watch her here. She is returning to Newfoundland
to reclaim the past.
Julianne Moore is the gorgeous and beautifully named Wavey
Prowse, a widow who is struggling to bring up a young son.
Now, here is needs to be said that Cate Blanchett is this
chap's pin-up girl and her class and style are only matched
by her exquisite looks and acting ability. However, I was
in shock after seeing her as Petal, the revolting near-prostitute
wife. Damn she looks fine with black hair, but what a repulsive
character.
The movie is set in a Newfoundland fishing village and when
Quoyle, his aunt and daughter arrive he goes about getting
a job on the local newspaper. They don't need his ink-setting
talents, so he is given the spot-news and shipping rounds.
The writers on the rag include Postlethwaite, Glenn and Ifans
and they add a lightness to the proceedings by allowing Spacey
to find his feet and actually become a not half-bad reporter.
It isn't until Quoyle has been in town for a while that he
discovers that his family had a very dark past and were not
well liked in the area. This opens up other old wounds that
may just be able to be healed by time in a remote, bleak and
magical place.
The Shipping News is gorgeous to look at and the video
transfer is perfect. The dialogue is clear, although there
isn't much imagination in the way of surround channels.
However ...
Not usually a soundtrack fan, this chap reckons the music
from The Shipping News is one of the best he has heard
in a very long time. It is hauntingly evocative and if you
are into Celtic music then you may want to turn the sound
up a little bit more.
The Shipping News can be heartily recommended for
those who like substance, class and beautifully told stories.
Conclusion: 90% Extras: 70%.
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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