Review of Tulip Fever (2017) by David L — 04 Sep 2017

Mary and I just saw it a few nights ago, and we liked it. Compared to most modern films it has a slow pace, and the unusual method of having one of the semi-peripheral characters be the voice telling the story can be a tad confusing. It suffered some legal (I think) issues during production, and that may have contributed to any issues it has.

That said, of course Tom Stoppard is wonderful as a script-writer, even when yoked with the author of the book. The costuming is spot-on and a very lovely salute to the magnificent Dutch paintings that give us such intimate views into everyday life of the period. Lots of Rembrandt-ish lighting for indoor scenes, and the crowded streets, bridges and boats really bring home the authenticity.

One HUGE plus is that the general public will now have a much better idea of what period kit looked like, as opposed to the fantasy "leather boy" outfits from the recent 3-4-5 Musketeer movies. I'm sure us reenactors will have many small gripes about some of the costuming, but overall it is wonderful! The filmmakers take a dig at possible critics when they have a group of women "review" a finished painting and discuss how the painter correctly showed certain seams and fabrics....chortle.

Thorne-Bob says, "Three Thumbs Up!".