The Painted Veil - 2006

 WIP, Stratus Film Co.,  Bob Yari Productions

Directed by John Curran

Cast:

Walter Fane – Edward Norton

Kitty Fane – Naomi Watts

Charlie Townsend – Liev Schreiber

Waddington – Toby Jones

Mother Superior – Diana Rigg

Story: Set in the 1920's, W. Somerset Maugham's novel comes to life in an exquisite and exceptional creation for the cinema. Walter Fane is your stereotypical proper Englishman, a well-mannered, decent sort working for the British government. He is a laboratory scientist assigned to study diseases in China, where he works in Chaing Hai alongside Chinese scientists. Kitty, his young and pretty wife, becomes enamored and falls in love with Charlie Townsend, who is attached to the British Embassy. When Walter discovers she is having an affair, he volunteers to travel inland to an area where a cholera epidemic has broken out. Kitty accompanies him, and on the way they begin to discuss what will be done about the affair. Kitty is lonely and alone most days, and they sleep in separate rooms, but as they begin to fall into the routine, they start to discuss things in a more civilized manner.

Review: Classic films should be remade now and then, if for no other reason than to remind us of what true literature is all about. The Painted Veil is one of those incredibly compelling films which deals directly with the human condition, specifically under conditions which warrant reaction. Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, and Liev Schreiber create an ensemble fitting of a Maugham novel, and their performances are flawless.

Flawless as well is the cinematography and photography in this wonderful adaptation of the novel. Filmed entirely in China, the scenery is breathtaking and lends to the authenticity of the film. This also enhances the “illusion of the first time” which is so critical in any film, since the novel is set in China. A huge cast of extras is included.

The Painted Veil is a film which may not be suitable for the entire family (Rated PG-13 for some scenes of sexuality, partial nudity, disturbing images and brief drug content), but I don't believe it will offend older children, and I know it will entertain anyone who likes a well-acted film.

J. Edgar - 2011

Imagine Entertainment, Malpaso Productions, Wintergreen Productions

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Cast:

• J. Edgar Hoover – Leonardo DiCaprio
• Helen Gandy – Naomi Watts
• Anna Marie Hoover – Judi Dench
• Robert Kennedy – Jeffrey Donovan
• Clyde Tolson – Armie Hammer

Story:In this frank and sometimes dark expose, Clint Eastwood directs a formidable cast in the biography of John Edgar Hoover, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For forty eight years, he was the undisputed power behind the power, the man who supposedly had files on everyone and knew everyone's secrets. This film explores the possible personal life and circumstances of the man, and shows J. Edgar Hoover as a man with many forces pulling on his life. He was a troubled man, to be sure, a man whose personal life was dominated by his mother, Anna Marie, and his sense of patriotism and commitment to making Americans safe. The film explores his relationships with his mother, his long-time assistant director and companion, Clyde Tolson, and his ever vigilant and loyal Secretary, Helen Gandy. Throughout the film, we are given glimpses of his actions which may or may not have been prompted by his sense of duty to the country, and we are ultimately left to decide for ourselves who J. Edgar Hoover really was.

Review: This film reveals not only the persona of J. Edgar, but of Clint Eastwood as well. As in all of his recent films, we are not offered a conclusion. We are instead given a set of facts, circumstances, and theories, and left to decide the matter for ourselves. The film itself is well presented and the cast is nothing short of formidable. Leonardo DiCaprio creates the impression of growth and personality, showing us the changes from Hoover's past and how they are influenced by his mother and his friends, which are few. The allusion of homosexuality is dealt with in a tasteful and sensitive manner, and again allows us to draw our own conclusions concerning his relationship with his assistant director and companion, Clyde Tolson. Armie Hammer plays his role with sensitivity and passion, as does Naomi Watts. As Helen Gandy, her obvious devotion to Hoover is clear. The remaining cast is incidental, although Jeffrey Donovan gives us another glimpse into his abilities with a flawless performance as Robert Kennedy. At the end, I am left with the impression that Hoover's life was sad and personally unfulfilled, but you'll have to see it yourself to draw your own conclusions. Rated R for subject matter and language, this film is collectible for lovers of Eastwood films, and anyone who enjoys a serious biography.