Review of Charlotte Gray (2001) by Kenr — 26 Apr 2022

After hearing this was about the exploits of some of the most decorated and highly regarded Special Operations women in wartime history – it quickly became obvious it was wrong to listen to those who compared Charlotte Gray to brave resistance giants like Nancy Wake, etc. For those who don’t care to examine fine story details or fans of Gillian Armstrong and Kate Blanchet, this will fit the bill nicely - others may find themselves lulled into disappointment. Was it the director who invested too much energy into arty and flamboyant camera movements, instead of concentrating on essential story and character development? Or was it her D.O.P. (Dion Beebe) rehearsing for his next project ‘Chicago’ (that was much more suited to this overly flamboyant style).

Kate Blanchet seemed to be playing by numbers as if she perhaps might also have felt her character’s motivations were underdeveloped. The romantic Mills and Boon ending also added to the feel the whole thing trivialized the seriousness and tragedy of the French resistance. Among other situations, it was hard to understand why the ‘underground’ resistance fighter (Billy Crudup) would attract attention by screaming hateful abuse --in broad daylight-- while the German army was rolling through the streets of collaborating Vichy! Out of all, Michael Gambon fairs best as his father. It’s a pity this serious subject was largely glossed over.