Review of The White Countess (2005) by Mary-Eileen R — 03 Sep 2007
'The White Countess' is one of the most beautiful films I have seen in a long time. I thought Ralph Fiennes was excellent as an American diplomat from a former generation, a man who has sustained the most crushing losses with serenity.
Because of his sufferings he is able to see, in spite of his physical blindness, the beauty and refinement of Countess Sofia, hauntingly portrayed by Natasha Richardson, working in a trashy nightclub.
Indeed, Jackson's blindness sets the theme of the entire film, that there is much more about people and situations than can be seen on the surface. The Redgrave sisters are fantastic as Sofia's scheming mother-in-law and aunt-in-law, who survive on her earnings but are ready to dump her at the first chance for the "shame" she has brought upon the family.
The film shows how true love grows, not through frantic sexual encounters, but through an exchange of thought and empathy, as well as demonstrating how true nobility of soul shines even in the most morbid surroundings.
Great costumes, sets, score and performances are all very much apart of this final Merchant-Ivory collaboration. Highly recommended!
This review of The White Countess (2005) was written by Mary-Eileen R on 03 Sep 2007.
The White Countess has generally received positive reviews.
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