Review of The Remains of the Day (1993) by Georges D — 01 Jan 2010
It had been such a long time since I wanted to see that movie after I read the wonderful novel by Ishiguro back in the mid-1990s... and though my memory of the book was nearly 15 years old, I can say James Ivory perfectly transcribed the incredibly stubborn and painful inability of the rigid butler, Mr Stevens (Anthony Hopkins, perfect), to communicate, express feelings and get out of his unhuman "dignity".
The dehumanization of the character is taken one step beyond with the historical context and the total lack of committment, the total indifference of Stevens regarding the events taking place at Darlington Hall and the pro-nazi sympathies of his master.
The man is reduced to his function: to serve. And that is terrible, sometimes ridiculous, sometimes heartbreaking, nearly always tragic. Emma Thompson is perfect too, as most of the actors actually.
This review of The Remains of the Day (1993) was written by Georges D on 01 Jan 2010.
The Remains of the Day has generally received very positive reviews.
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