Review of RKO 281 (1999) by Stephen M — 17 Mar 2008

This is a fascinating story and every time someone tries to tell it, either in print or onscreen, there are similarities and differences. It doesn't really matter - we'll never know the truth of it all. The film makers' jobs, as artists, are to tell THEIR artistic version and vision of the story.

I like very specific things about this film. The costumes are ok but the art direction is stunning. The acting ranges from good to great and somewhere in between; but Liev Schreiber is very well cast as Orson Wells, Brenda Blethyn is disgusting (in the best way an actress can be) as Louella Parsons. It's great to see Roy Scheider working; I can't bear David Suchet and I wish he would just retire already. Jamie Cromwell is wonderfully peaceful and wistful as the distraught W.R Hearst. I have to admit that I felt like Fiona Shaw could have gone a bit further in her portrayal of Hedda Hopper - but she was fine.

For me the reason to see this film is Melanie Griffith. Her work as Marion Davies is breathtaking. Her beauty, her diction, her honesty are all out on the table for all to see. The scene where she and Hearst see CITIZEN KANE for the first time and, as the lights come up, she is weeping - well, it is about as honest an acting job as one could hope to see in a movie. If for nothing else, rent this picture to watch that scene.

But watch it all. It's some story.