Felicia's Journey (1999)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Atom Egoyan

Writers:

William Trevor (novel)
Atom Egoyan (screenplay)

Release Date:

24 November 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Plot:

A lonely middle-aged catering manager (Bob Hoskins) spends all of his time studying tapes of an eccentric TV chef (Arsinee Khanjian)...

Plot Keywords:

Caterer | Ireland | Factory | England | Eccentric

Awards:

5 wins & 13 nominations

Cast

Bob Hoskins	...	Joe Hilditch
Arsinée Khanjian	...	Gala
Elaine Cassidy	...	Felicia
Sheila Reid	...	Iris
Nizwar Karanj	...	Sidney
Ali Yassine	...	Customs Officer
Peter McDonald	...	Johnny Lysaght
Kriss Dosanjh	...	Salesman
Gerard McSorley	...	Felicia's Father
Marie Stafford	...	Felicia's Great Grandmother (as Maire Stafford)
Gavin Kelty	...	Shay Mulroone
Brid Brennan	...	Mrs. Lysaght
Mark Hadfield	...	Television Director
Danny Turner	...	Young Joey Hilditch
Susan Parry	...	Salome

Also Known As:

Le voyage de Félicia (Canada: French title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements and related disturbing images.

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

Canada | UK

Language:

English | Irish Gaelic | French

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | Hungary:16 | Netherlands:16 | Argentina:16 | Brazil:14 | France:U | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIA | New Zealand:M | Portugal:M/16 | Spain:18 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:12 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

5, Southside Common, Wimbledon, London, England, UK

Company:

Alliance Atlantis Communications

Quotes:

Felicia: Some would call it murder.
Mr. Hilditch: Murder? ... We're not in this world to cause pain, dear. Of course -- you have to think of yourself on occasion. I'm not saying you don't. But there are other people, too. Which is something you're daily more aware of as you grow older.

Movie Connections:

Features Salome (1953)

Soundtrack:

The Heart of a Child

A trip worth taking

Atom Egoyan has again created another striking work of art with his adaptation of the William Trevor novel, "Felicia's Journey". The director of such great films as: "Exotica", "The Sweet Hereafter" and "Speaking Parts" has ventured from his Canadian world to that of the British Isles. He does so effortlessly and again confronts an amazing story told in only the way he can.

The film has the air of confidence from a film maker who has now truly found his rhythm and the ability to bring it to a mass audience. He again starts with a dark theme and manages to keep his world secretive until the final frames keeping the audience riveted. His amazing talent continues with the ability to elicit amazing performances from both established actors like Bob Hoskins and new faces like Elaine Cassidy as well as his ever lovely and talented wife, Arsinee Khanjian.

Hoskins has one of this year's best performances. The chilling Mr. Hildich would have been muddled by a lesser actor, turned into a poor man's Hannibal Lecter. But Hoskins makes the character grow with the film, he only gets more menacing as the film progresses...but never too menacing that you can't feel for him. Cassidy is equally skilled in bringing young Felicia to life. A young woman who is lonely and confused, but determined to see her dreams fulfilled. Also a special mention should be given to Claire Benedict who plays Miss Calligary...a missionary who never quite knows when to quit...even for her own good.

The story does unfold in a series of flashbacks, so those with short attention spans may need to avoid this film. But in doing so, they would rob themselves of an amazing story.

A key element to the film is Mychael Danna's musical score for the film. Music is used much more as a key player in the film than Egoyan has used in the past. It works greatly to his advantage.

This film was the opening night to the 24th Toronto International Film Festival...it was an incredible way to begin the fest. It certainly will be remembered by me for many years to come. Thank you Mr. Egoyan.