Review of Gosford Park (2001) by Spangle — 25 Nov 2014
Overall, Gosford Park is an alright film. The technical aspects are all a success, such as the cinematography and costume design. Both are beautiful and perfect for a period drama of this kind. In addition, the acting is pitch perfect and it is always a great thing to see such a large cast and have everyone do so well in their individual roles.
The second half is also brilliant. The societal inequity theme is in full view here and really bolsters the murder mystery element of the film. It is also very nice to see all of the details from the first half of the film come into play and then be put into action.
As everything starts to come together, this one reaches the heights I hoped it would. However, where this one falters is in the first half, which is exceedingly boring. Necessary, possibly, but entirely dull and dry.
It fails to command your attention, even though you need to pay attention, which is always a tricky thing as a viewer. I am glad I stuck with it (not that there was much debate about giving up), but that first half really does a number on you at times.
If the first half was either shorter or filled with something not dull as hell, this one would be rated higher by me. As it stands, this one is a brilliantly made film that could stand to be shorter.
This review of Gosford Park (2001) was written by Spangle on 25 Nov 2014.
Gosford Park has generally received very positive reviews.
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