Review of Gosford Park (2001) by Paulo C — 22 Mar 2009

Robert Altman is a master director, and brings poetic scope to this social class provocation disguised as a murder mystery. A group of uppity Brits gather at a manor for a weekend of men hunting quail and women hunting secrets.

Though the screenplay is very well written and the ensemble cast defines excellence, the movie stops being interesting well before the murder takes place. Once it happens, it picks back up again and puts the viewer to sleep many times before the shocker of an ending.

The cast is led by greats, including the vicious Kristin Scott Thomas and a hilarious role by Maggie Smith. Props are also due to Ryan Phillippe, Kelley Macdonald, and a heartbreaking Hellen Mirran. Had the pace been able to keep up with the movie's own intentions it would have been a much more enjoyable experience.

There are still riches to be had here, but arguable so.