Review of Gosford Park (2001) by Thomas G — 25 Sep 2009

A masterful mystery of modern film, Robert Altman combines the intrigue of Hitchcock and the personal complexities in characters we are so used to in his earlier films.

We begin with the convergence of English wealth descending upon Gosford Park, the grand country estate of the successful businessman Sir William McCordle (Michael Gambon) and his wife (Kristin Scott Thomas). Guests are to be treated to fine food, eccentric company, and some old-fashioned English country quail hunting. Below the lavishly adorned rooms used for the McCordle's entertaining purposes is the hustle and frustrations of the house servants and cooks along the visiting guests' valets and maids. Divided into two: the servants are lead by straight-laced, duty-bound Mrs. Wilson, played to perfection by Helen Mirren, while the cooks are driven to work by their feisty head cook Mrs. Croft, payed with wit by Eileen Atkins. Amidst the staff, we see personal strife and histories filled with despair and contempt.

Upstairs, the aristocracy watch as the McCordle's marriage woes grow to the breaking point, with Sir William receiving "extra services" from some of his female servants and Lady Sylvia taking a shine to one of the guest's new and unnatural valets (Ryan Phillippe). Before this weekend is out, anxieties and revengeful motives will lead to a murder...or two.

With comic relief from Dame Maggie Smith, deeply-twisted feelings of love and hatred from Emily Watson, unaffected coldness from Clive Owen, and awkward, but brilliant observations from Kelly Macdonald, "Gosford Park" makes for a fun and beautifully filmed whodunit.