Review of Dean Spanley (2008) by Aidan H — 19 Jan 2011
Normally, a film with an opening line containing the words 'Dear Mama' has me reaching for the remote but, once this little film got under way, it's intriguing story of buried grief and reincarnation crept up on me and I became as fascinated with the Dean as the characters in the film.
Fraser gradually reveals the unbelievable story over a series of dinners, luring us into the Dean's dreamy recollections of his past life before revealing its significance in an emotional final act.
The cast is universally excellent with O'Toole (as the father who refuses to mourn for his wife and son) getting all the best lines and Neill, as the titular clergyman, standing out. For lovers of Edwardiana, the set design, costumes and locations are evocative and subtly realised.
DS is a strange and compelling little film which takes a while to get going but is worth staying the course.
This review of Dean Spanley (2008) was written by Aidan H on 19 Jan 2011.
Dean Spanley has generally received very positive reviews.
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