Crimson Peak review

Kerry and I went to an early Thursday night showing of Guillermo del Toro's new movie, Crimson Peak. Ever since some of the first production stills came out in late spring 2014ish, I've been looking forward to this movie. I wasn't sure about the whole horror aspect with creepy shadow things, blood everywhere, and the sinister house only because I'm not big on that movie genre. BUT IT TOOK PLACE DURING THE VICTORIAN PERIOD! Instantly sold.

Crimson Peak 2015

Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre 2011) stars as the main lead, Edith Cushing, a young woman who finds herself drawn towards a young baronet visiting America from England. He seems great, but there's that lurking air of mystery that there's more to Thomas Sharpe's story than what he's revealing. After her father's mysterious death though, Edith finds herself heading off to Allerdale Hall with Thomas. Let's be honest though, where Tom Hiddleston is concerned, it's easy to completely lose our minds and follow him anywhere without any second thoughts.

We've only just met, but can I put MY hands around you?

Yes, Tom Hiddleston (swoon) of Avengers fame is in this film.

Mr. Selfridge Season 1 review

I have had Mr. Selfridge on my "to watch" list since it first came out back in 2013. Then I would find other shows, watch those, and it kept getting bumped down the list. Then I needed something to watch while doing hand sewing. So I finally got around to watching the first season. Why didn't I do this sooner?

imdb.com

Mr. Selfridge stars Jeremy Piven in the lead role of Harry Selfridge, the American retail magnate who established the London department store of the same name. This ongoing series is based on the biography of Selfridge titled Shopping, Seduction, and Mr. Selfridge by Linda Woodhead. The first season starts in 1908 and covers the scope of Selfridge not only funding, but opening then establishing his store as a preeminent destination for the Edwardian shopper.

Hidden Killers of the Victorian/Edwardian Home review

As I work through some of the finishing touches of my bathing costume, I've been watching oodles of shows to pass the time. I found this via my recommended shows list from my watching history on Amazon Prime.

"The dawn of the 20th century ushered in an era of fresh inventions and innovations: Electricity, refrigeration and many other materials promised to make life easier and more convenient. But lack of understanding meant that they frequently led to death."

Ripper Street vs. Copper Round 2

So I got Ripper Street and Copper seasons 2 close together and (just like the first seasons) watched them back to back. Despite my earlier reaction of trying to space them out for season 2, I'm glad they were viewed close together because I was able to start differentiating between the two shows.

Ripper Street
I'll start with this show because I watched it first. Season 2 moves away from the original plot of the revived Ripper murders, but still retains much of its dark, brooding atmosphere of East End London in the 1890s. Instead, the focus now falls on individual people. 

Matthew Macfadyen, Jerome Flynn, and Adam Rothenberg all return

Inspector Reid's (Matthew Macfadyen) wife has left him, Bennet Drake is now a married man, and Rose has left brothel work behind. It seems all might be well, but this is East End London so it never is. Opium trade, matchgirl strikes, and fanatical occult followers are only a couple of the topics touched upon in this season's 8 episodes. And as the cases pile up, the police of Whitechapel find their own lives taking a sharp turn into the darkness that consumes the area where they work.

With each passing episode, I found myself more engrossed in this season. Part of this might be because all the character setup has already been established. On the other hand, I think the scriptwriting got just THAT much better. Yes, there's going to be mystery involved with the show, but when you've got me so engrossed that I just keep watching for hours on end, that's when you know it's good.

Charlene McKenna as Rose Erskine

Costumes remain fantastic, especially when looking for material of what the lower classes of London. Many of the outfits presented are worn by men with multiple wardrobe changes, something that gets overlooked. Women's attire is mostly limited to brothel and dance hall workers and may lack some accuracy, but are still gorgeous to look at.

Overall Rating - 4 out of 5
Costumes - 3.5 out of 5

Copper
Second season for this show started out with promise - within the first 20 minutes we've got a man a girl and carving a knife into her back amongst more seedy Five Points action. The main cast is back along with a number of new characters. As the new cast members are introduced though and the back stories of some of the existing characters surface, things start to feel bogged down.

Corky starts pulling stunts that make you want to scream. His adoptive daughter and wife bring cat fighting to a new level, in the most ho-hum of ways. Matthew, Corkey's longtime friend, is still dealing with the issues that come with being a freed blackman in the 1860s, but they seem to be the same over and over again. I'd go on, but all it would be about is how the characters got so annoying (Seriously, I could write a whole blog post on how Elizabeth Haverford makes Scarlett O'Hara seem like a sweet woman with no issues).

By the time episode 3 rolled around, it had mostly turned into background noise while I worked on the my sewing. That's how uninterested I was.

All of the sudden though, the scriptwriting was kicked up a huge notch. Oh my goodness, there's been a subtle plot building the whole season! Not that I could tell, giving how bored I was becoming with it all. The season was left with a cliffhanger, but alas, we shall never find out what happens.

Perhaps due to awful scriptwriting, poorly executed characters, or plummeting viewer numbers, Copper was cancelled a few days before its season 2 finale. Guess I wasn't the only unenthused person.

Costumes also remained mediocre. For characters from the Five Points district, wardrobe was done well enough that they blended in with the atmosphere. As for those who didn't reside in the area - ahem, Elizabeth Haverford - the costumes on the woman, have that lovely look of minimal research.

Overall rating - 2 out of 5
Costumes - 3 out of 5

A Millions Ways to Die in the West review

So I will readily admit, the only reason this movie initially interested me was because of a bustle joke in the preview. I've seen movies that poke fun at history and figured that's what this would be. History is cool, but the occasional joke about it is fun, right? Right?

Wrong.

A Million Days to Die in the West is more like a million ways to have to suffer through bad Seth McFarlene jokes.

The movie opened with potential. You have the typical Bad Outlaw, played by Liam Neeson, and his gang of thugs out to harass the locals. Charlize Theron is Anna, the unwilling sidekick who isn't exactly keen on the outlaw life.

Ten minutes later, McFarlane - as Albert - walks on screen and everything quickly deteriorates from there. When writing the script, it seems that his already shallow bag of working jokes suddenly ran off and all he was left to pull from were the same three things. F-bombs abound, and all McFarlane can seem to focus on are the bathroom and penises.

"See this? This is my brain. I used it to try and write a screenplay and failed miserably."

Neil Patrick Harris and Amanda Seyfried provide support as the Girl Who Left the Main Guy and the Guy She Went to Instead, but even their characters do little to beyond providing additional outlets for McFarlane's poorly written screenplay.

The writing itself is far from decent when it comes to mocking history. At one point, Albert starts spewing off a bunch of modern day terms and his drinking partners stare at him stupidly. Because, yeah, no one in 1882 has a grasp of what you're trying to interject in here.

Even the bustle joke turned out to be a bit of a downer. As Albert tries to figure out Anna's large backside, she pulls it up to reveal something that looks more like a medieval torture device and it quickly delves into a joke about oversize hinnys.

"Is that really your real butt?"

It becomes obvious that even the writers (including McFarlane) have no idea what they're doing, when Albert looks at Anna in her dress (a semi-decent interpretation I might add, but still years off from 1882) and goes, "It looks like Jane Austen vomited on you."

Probably the one standout moment is during a flashback to Albert's high school days when Abraham Lincoln shows up as the guest speaker. He opens his mouth and the next thing you know, it's Gilbert Gottfried. It isn't the Abe Lincoln you expect, but one of the characters even says, "I don't think that's the real Lincoln," but that's what makes it even more funny.

"I'll give you $1 to shoot everything. $10 if you shoot this movie into oblivion."

Usually I try to do a costume review, but I found even these to be very lacking (outside of the okay bustle dress). Again, no research, so just whatever looked good on the actors seemed to be pulled from the wardrobe and fit with the movie.

Although I wasn't expecting much to begin with, the fact that the movie had zero redeeming qualities made it a complete two-hour waste. Oh wait, I did get yesterday's blog post up, so not quite.

Overall rating - 1 out of 5 (only for Gottfriend's performance as Abe Lincoln)
Costumes - 0.5 out of 5 (and only for the plaid dress)

Penny Dreadful review

So when Kerry reads this at some point, he's going to probably be upset because I had said we could watch this together. Then I got engrossed, cheated, and watched the whole season.

Penny Dreadful is a brand new series from Showtime that blends together the mysterious macabre, unearthly gothic, and classic literature into a fast-paced drama full of mystery and suspense.

Eva Green as Vanessa Ives from Penny Dreadful

Although the cast is large, much of the story centers around Vanessa Ives, played by the enigmatic Eva Green (Dark Shadows and Camelot). A young woman with a clouded past, she lives with Sir Malcolm Murray - played by Timothy Dalton of 1983's Jane Eyre - an explorer with and equally peculiar story. As the season unfolds, we learn of their relationship and connection. Sir Malcolm's daughter, Mina Murrary, was a childhood friend to Vanessa who disappeared a few years prior and is now being held by a creature.

Reeve Carney as Dorian Gray - Image via IMDB

The steady introduction of characters that follows only adds to depths of the story. To aid in their hunt, Vanessa and Sir Malcolm employ American gunslinger Ethan Chandler (played by Josh Hartnett, who has aged quite well I might add) and Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway of The Lone Ranger). Add into the mix the dark and brooding Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney), and the literary mix starts to come to light. And of course there's Billie Piper for any Doctor Who fans.

Image via IMDB

Now if you're expecting classic Dracula and Frankenstein from Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley, then you'll be in for a bit of a surprise. This story is very different, delving into the supernatural and the sensational that the original penny dreadfuls were known for.

Given the lurid content of these same originals, the show also has some rather graphic content, including its fair share of gore, sex, and language. This is not your typical Victorian gothic gaslight. So definitely not a recommended show for younger audiences or those who are aren't into blood.

Image via IMDB

The script and characters is what ultimately drives the show though (and what kept me wanting to keep going after the premier). With each new episode, a new layer of each player in the mystery is peeled back and the story gains one more puzzle that viewer must muse upon. By the end of the season (between sewing and work, I finished in about 5 days), I had figured out a few of the underlying story plots, but so many new ones had been opened up that all I wanted to do was watch next season. Like everyone else who found this spectacular new gaslight mystery though, I'll have to wait until next year.

Image via IMDB

So like any costume drama I watch, I have to do a quick review of the costumes. Penny Dreadful starts off in 1891, the tail end of the Victorian Era known as the Belle Epoque. Many of the designs fit within the design concepts that were notable for this period; the diminished bustle as it died away, and the start of the hourglass silhouette with its more tailored look. Most of Vanessa's costumes are spot on with the exception of minor details (Did high, pointed lace collars really exist?) and wardrobe choices for finishing off an outfit (Okay, we all know women wore some type of hat or head covering when out in public). For me, I'll pick at the small details like this, but it's not enough to totally kill my interest in the show.

What kind of collar is that?

The men's clothing is what intrigued me though since there was such a wide variety of it; the old explorer, the African manservant, the American gunslinger, the poor medical student. These were just a few of the varying costumes presented and each matched the character who donned it within the multiple scene settings that were presented.

For a Victorian supernatural thriller, this really is as the title presents - a Penny Dreadful that is certain to intrigue and cause sensation as it spins a new story of some classic literature's well-known stories. After all, with the tagline "There's some thing within us all," you'll definitely be in for a thrill ride.

Overall review - 4.5 out of 5
Costumes - 4.5 out of 5

The Making of a Lady review

I recently came across The Making of a Lady while going through the new movie releases at the library. The first thing that caught my immediate attention is it is based off a literary piece of work by Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of the popular books The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. Although the titles differ, the basis for the film is taken from The Making of a Marchioness.

Image from Amazon.com

Aside from James D'Arcy - who plays Captain Alec Osborn, one of the leads - I was unfamiliar with the rest of the cast. Lydia Wilson plays the leading lady, Emily Fox Seton. When we are first introduced to her, she is working as a secretary to Lady Maria, an upperclass woman during the 1890s (sources point to the year being 1901, I beg to differ but that's for later) and ekes by in a ramshackle boarding house when not working. Although she has hopes for a permanent position, she abruptly dismissed soon after a fancy dinner party.

At said dinner party though, she meets her employer's widowed nephew, Lord James Walderhurst, played by Linus Roache. Despite only meeting once, he comes to her soon after with a proposal of marriage, which she accepts with some hesitation.

While this may initially seem like one of those contrived, two strangers who marry for convenience then grow to love one another stories, there's another aspect. Lord Walderhurst leaves soon after and his cousin, Captain Osborn, comes to live at the house with his Indian wife. Slowly but surely, they begin to take control over the household and then Emily's life.

Image from Pinterest

The unfolding romance between Emily and Lord Walderhurst is well-paced, but it is the later interactions with his overbearing cousin and his wife that seem to be rushed. At almost every turn, there are brief mentions of why Emily shouldn't concern herself with Captain Osborn, but the full story of why was never actually revealed (unless I missed something while my head was buried in petticoat pinning).

Emily's actual reactions to how these oddball relations treat her paint her as a very naive woman as well. A bit conflicting since part of the reason Lord Walderhurst married her was he knew she was an educated woman who knew her way about in life.

Image from Pinterest

The acting throughout the film though I found to be superb since each person managed to make their character very believable. There has been some criticism from others about changes from the original work, but have no comment at this time since I haven't read the original.

The Making of a Marchioness is available for free via Amazon kindle download for anyone who is interested.

Image from Pinterest

Now to my favorite - costumes! As mentioned above, they have pinned the movie at taking place around 1901 (the same year the book was published). However all the costumes point to it being around 1889 through the mid 1890s. Emily wears a few directoire revival fashions, and her wedding dress has the famous hourglass shape of the 1890s with the large leg-o-mutton sleeves and flared skirt. These costumes are also great because they provide a good example of what someone from the upper middle class would have worn - nothing is too extravagant, it's simple but detailed. For being only an hour and a half, there are a number of wardrobe changes throughout so there's great opportunity for finding costume inspiration from this period.

Overall review - 4 out of 5
Costumes - 5 out of 5

NBC's Dracula Review

When this show first came out, I wasn't exactly sure how I felt about it. 10 episodes later and a few weeks to sit and think about it, I think can finally offer an opinion on this new series.

For myself, there was a bit of anticipation going into the premier for NBC's Dracula. The story of Dracula itself is something that fits into the realm of the Victorian gothic and is one of the more well-known pieces of classic literature, originally written by Bram Stoker. The fact that Jonathon Rhys Meyers (King Henry VIII from The Tudors) was cast in the lead drew me in even more.

Image from IMDB.com

When I finally got around to watching the first episode though, I was more than a little disappointed. To start, the story does not follow its literary counterpart (although I have not read the book, I'm still familiar with the plot), and many of the characters have been expanded upon to the point that they're almost unrecognizable in some cases. One example, Van Helsing is now working with Dracula.

Now if I had gone off this single episode, I would have left an overall scathing review of this series. Instead, I opted to keep going and keep watching - and I'm glad I did. Several other plot points were introduced, including Mina Murray (Jessica De Gouw) studying to be a medical student and the mysterious Order of the Dragon. There are still remnants of the original piece of literature, but the changes have definitely made things more intriguing. As of the final episode for this season, I'm now looking forward to a second season to see how things turn out.

Image from IMDB.com

Two things I must nit pick at though. The one thing I can't get over is Dracula's impersonation of an American industrialist. Believable from the story standpoint, but not with Rhys Meyers in the role. As a British actor, I'm used to seeing him in British roles with a British accent. When a very distinctly American accent issues forth from him though, it's very offsetting. In some cases, it doesn't even sound like Rhys Meyers and I'm almost wondering if they had another actor dub these sections of the series (have yet to find any proof).

Image from IMDB.com

The largest bone I have to pick though is with the costume designer of the series. Dracula takes place during the 1890s of the Victorian era, but I have yet to see a dress from this decade on any of the main characters. A lot of modern-looking bustier type dresses, a few wannabe 1910s outfits, some weird Edwardian/pin-up mashups, but that's about it. Usually the extras are dressed more period accurate.

Image from IMDB.com

I know that things can be subject to interpretation, but this has gone far beyond that point. After a while I was just watching the costumes to see what kind of ludicrous outfit they came up with next.

It's very hard to go into too much detail about the series simply because there is so much. A good summary of it is that although it departs from the original story, the changes help to make the story more interesting. The new elements add a different dimension and a new level to the relationships amongst all the characters. Still can't get over Rhys Meyers changing accent and the costumes, but the story is what ultimately pulls me along to keep watching.

Overall rating - 4 out of 5
Costumes - 1.5 out of 5

Update 5/28/14 - Unfortunately it was recently announced the show was canceled after only one season. Bummer!

Secrets of... series review

I've been so busy with sewing that I've fallen horribly behind on my reviews. In addition, I kind of had to work my way through this series before I could actually write a review. The first video I remember watching sometime last year (before I even started this blog), and the most recent was only a couple weeks ago.

Each of the episodes are between 60-90 minutes long, but chock full of history and information. I'll try to highlight the main subject of each and the topics of interest they cover.

Secrets of the Manor House
This takes an in-depth look at the country manor houses of England's aristocracy around the turn of the century. Good for those who are interested in Victorian and Edwardian history, the American Buccaneers, or the TV shows Upstairs Downstairs and Downton Abbey.

Secrets of Highclere Castle
Following in the wake Downton Abbey is this episode which covers the history of Highclere Castle (the real-life estate that stands in for Downton) and its inhabitants. It covers the history of the castle's designs and changes, the lives and adventures of the owners (both prior and most recent), and of the people who help to maintain the property in the modern age. Recommended viewing for anyone loves Downton Abbey, or those who like manor house history.

Secrets of Chatsworth
In the same strain of English manor houses is this episode about Chatsworth. Home of the Devonshire family, this also covers the history of the property and its occupants, touching upon notable individuals such as Georgiana Devonshire (the Georgiana of The Duchess). Good for those with interests in Georgiana or manor houses.

Secrets of Althorp: The Spencers
This episode focuses on the Spencer family, which still resides at the estate. Charles, the 9th Earl, narrates most of the program and goes over its history and prior inhabitants. Most notable is his sister Diana, the late Princess of Wales. This episode is best for those with an interest in the Spencer family or manor houses.

Secrets of Henry VIII's Palace: Hampton Court
Another house, but an entirely different one. Jumping back further in time to the 1500s, this episode visits one of King Henry VIII's favorite residences which still retains much of its original architecture. Great for those with interests in Tudor History and the English Renaissance.

Secrets of the Tower of London
It's hard to cover the entire history of this famous location in one hour, but they do a good job of catching the highlights of its history, inhabitants, and operation. It even influenced how the modern day London Bridge was built! Will interest those who like London history and Tower history in general since it spans a multitude of years.

Secrets of Selfridges
So I watched this one before I had any idea what it was and still loved it. The subject of this is pretty self-explanatory - Selfridges department store in London - and goes over the history of the store and its owner. Good bonus material for anyone watching Mr. Selfridge or even The Paradise. I haven't seen Mr. Selfridge yet, but now I want to!

Secrets of Scotland Yard
I don't know much about this topic, so it was good to help add to my knowledge base and is included since it's part of the series. This focuses on Scotland Yard's history and some its more notorious cases including the assassination attempt on Queen Victoria and Jack the Ripper, as well as modern cases. Good for those with an interest in London history, police crime, and watchers of the series Whitechapel and Sherlock.

All cover images are from Amazon.com

Some of these have more focus than others on topics that are related to Victorian and Edwardian history, but each touches upon these periods (even if it is only briefly). While I don't know yet if this is an actual "series" verses stand alone documentary episodes, I believe they're still great watches for those with the above mentioned interests and to just learn a few more secrets about some of these already famous locations.

Overall review - 4 out of 5

Downton Abbey Season 4 review

Here in Ohio we are getting a very frigid start to the new year (the weather forecast shows a high of 3 degrees). On the plus side, with the start of the new year we also have a new season of Downton Abbey to look forward to! I first started watching this wonderful show when it first came out and have been watching since.

The first episode of season 4 aired this past Sunday, January 5, but I have - ahem - connections and have watched the entire season already.

This season opens with Mary still in mourning for the death of Matthew which happened in the last season (six months previously for the Downton Abbey timeline). As she tries to cope with depression and a new baby whom she has little feeling toward, the rest of the Crawley family try to figure what it best for their daughter and the estate which is now having to face the changes of a new era.

As the series progresses, she finds the motivation to keep moving forward through both her work and from her family. Soon enough, two contenders for her hand will enter the scene and lead the viewer on a back and forth debate of what may happen next for Mary.

When we last left the season 3 Christmas special, it was announced that Lady Rose MacClare would be joining the Crawley household. Lady Sybil may be gone, but Rose manages to fill in her place with keeping the Crawley family and the Downton staff on their toes between her various rebellious acts and interests. 

"Let's face it, she is a flapper," remarks Lady Mary at one point. The Christmas Special will see a trip to London for Rose's court presentation which is not to be missed.

For those of us who know history, Lady Edith's own story is bound to get interesting. Not just in this season, but in future storylines as well. Her romance with Michael Gregson, the magazine editor, has become very intense but he is unable to obtain a divorce unless he travels to Germany to become a citizen.

The ensuing struggles Edith faces while she waits at home at Downton Abbey will have the viewer once again remarking, "Poor Edith!" It just seems inescapable.

Not to be ignored of course is the downstairs staff of Downton. Still caught up in the happiness of Mr. Bates' release from prison, he and Anna are living in marital bliss. Tragedy does strike however that will soon test their love and trust in each other. Sorry, but I can't really say much else without giving away the plot. 

Of course no episode would be complete without Mrs. Patmore, Daisy, and now Ivy having a row of some sort in the kitchen. As the two young girls continue to vie for the affection of Alfred, one of the footmen, Mrs. Patmore is always there to offer a bit of advice.

Not to be missed of course is the Dowager Countess (played by the spectacular Dame Maggie Smith). She's back with more wisdom and wit than ever, but we do have a brief glimpse into the future in which there may no longer be a Dowager Countess. It's very depressing to think about.

Other returning favorites include Tom Branson, Lady Sybil's husband and prior chauffeur to the Crawley family, and Martha Levinson played by Shirley McLaine. Her and the Dowager Countess will get a few stabs at each other but not until the Christmas Special at the end. 

There is a lot to look forward to in Season 4 and while it does not seem to move as fast as other seasons, there's a resolution in some of the open plot areas which are only opened by new story points that will no doubt continue into Season 5. 

Costumes of course continue to be wonderful and drool-inducing. Since the series has now reached the early 1920s, there are a number of the loose, frock-like dresses making appearances along with the robe-de-style that I love in particular. 

I would love to include so much more about what to expect this season, but then I would be giving too much away I feel. In short, tune in Sundays to watch the latest season of Downton Abbey. You just can't miss it!

Overall rating - 4.5 out of 5
Costumes - 5 out of 5

For enticement of those who haven't seen the entire season, here's some photos from series:

Queen Victoria's Children review

Looking back through posts, I realized that this is the first time I'm doing a review for a documentary film. This was a good film though and requires one.

For those of us who have busy schedules and a lot of books to read already (yes, me), sometimes we turn to documentary videos to do a little bit of catch-up on our knowledge. Queen Victoria's Children is a three-part series released by the BBC that chronicles Queen Victoria's relationship with her immediate family and the influence she had on them over the years.

Amazon.com

Based on previous readings and film watchings, Victoria was a woman who never would have won any Mother of the Year awards. This documentary takes an objective approach to looking at her and Prince Albert's history and relationship, and the effects it had on how they raised their children. Both were very critical parents, and despite the outward appearance of domestic bliss in the royal household, there was an enormous amount of strife between the royal couple and their nine children.

A controlling and belittling critic of her children, Victoria at the same time drove her children away but also tried to keep them close enough to control their lives, even in adulthood. Pulling from historical events and personal papers and letters of the queen and her children, the filmmakers are able to bring to light a very detailed picture of Victoria as an occasionally doting, beastly overbearing, and appallingly narcissist mother.

From the arranged marriages she oversaw of most of her children, to the manipulative methods she used to try and keep them close, Victoria's portrayal of home-wrecker is less than ideal, but it's an aspect of her nature than helps to shed light on who she was as a queen and a mother.

Great in its use of historical fact and documents, the method of storytelling is also engaging and does not bore the viewer. Each of the episodes of well-defined in its focus point but also manages to tie into and lead to the next flawlessly. At about 3 hours, this short series is very informational and is a great view for anyone interested in Victorian history, but Queen Victoria herself.

Overall review - 5 out of 5

Portrait of a Lady review

It has been forever since my last post. The holiday season is upon us in the retail world, and it just keeps on getting crazier and crazier with each passing day. My days off have been recently spent traveling and trying to finish some cross stitch projects (more on that in another post), but I did finally get around to watching a costume drama piece that has been on my watch list for forever (not kidding on this one).

The Portrait of a Lady is a film adaptation of the same book, written Henry James, and is directed by one of my favorites, Jane Campion. After waiting nine months (yes, nine) for a copy to come in at the library, I rushed home to watch it, only to be very disappointed.

It's very rare for me not to like a costume drama, and I had high hopes for this one since Campion was directing and it starred Nicole Kidman, who is also one of my favorite actresses. The story itself though was downright dull, none of the characters were likable in the least, and the overall pace was about as fast as my shower drain with a giant hair clog.

While I have not read the original book, I read through the synopsis via Wikipedia and it seemed like a fairly close adaptation of the original content. Supposedly James' story is supposed to examine the themes of "betrayal, personal freedom, and responsibility." About the only the only thing I got out of the 2 hours and 20 minutes I spent watching this film was some finished cross stitch.

And then the costumes. These are the main reason I sometimes watch my costume dramas. Lighting was often so dark it was hard to get a glimpse of what the dresses even looked like, and the few you did see had maybe less than a minute of screen time. For example, the lovely confection on Kidman here:

Was visible only long enough to make me want to know more about it, for the simple reason that I couldn't see enough of it! In my attempts to discover more, I have found there are very few movie stills from the film to be found. Unless of course you're searching for the image where it looks like Kidman is fighting a massive migraine.

Yeah, I would probably look like that too if I had to watch the movie again.

Movie - 1.5 out of 5

Costumes - 3 out of 5