My Talks with Dean Spanley (2008)
"Dean Spanley" (original title)

Set in Edwardian England where upper lips are always stiff and men from the Colonies are not entirely to be trusted, Fisk Senior has little time or affection for his son, but when the pair visit an eccentric Indian, they start a strange journey that eventually allows the old man to find his heart.

Director:

Toa Fraser

Writers:

Lord Dunsany (book), Alan Sharp

Stars:

Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill, Bryan Brown

7 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeremy Northam	...	Fisk Junior
Sam Neill	...	Dean Spanley
Bryan Brown	...	Wrather
Peter O'Toole	...	Fisk Senior
Art Malik	...	Swami Nala Prash
Ramon Tikaram	...	Nawab of Ranjiput
Xavier Horan	...	Harrington Fisk
Barbara Wilshere	...	1st Lady
Angela Clerkin	...	2nd Lady
Dudley Sutton	...	Marriot
Shaughan Seymour	...	Wine Shop Proprietor
Charlotte Graham	...	Woman in Cloisters
Haydon Downing	...	Boy in Cloisters
Miriama McDowell	...	Foxy Lady
Bruce Hopkins	...	Shepherd

Storyline

Each Thursday, a man approaching middle age calls upon his father, aged, caustic, nihilistic, and emotionally distant, perhaps from the loss of a son in the Boer War and his wife soon after. On this day, the son suggests they attend a visiting guru's lecture on the transmigration of souls. There they chat with a vicar and a soldier of fortune; dinner follows. Over glasses of Hungarian Tokay, the vicar, Dean Spanley, tells a story of friendship, freedom, and reincarnation. In what earthly way could this tale connect father and son?

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Plot Keywords:

old man | club | pet dog | reference to psyche | british | 

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Taglines:

From the classic novel by Lord Dunsany

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some thematic material and mild language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [uk]

Country:

New Zealand UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 December 2008 (UK)

Also Known As:

Las vidas del Sr. Spanley

Filming Locations:

New Zealand

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£42,898 (UK) (12 December 2008)

Gross:

£42,898 (UK) (12 December 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Zealand Film Commission, Atlantic Film Productions, General Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Peter O'Toole said the use of comedy to explore the relationship between a father and son was part of what attracted him to the film. He remarked: "All of us had difficult familial relationships. I think its a film for all of us who understand the relationship between a father and son. Its been interesting watching various members of the crew looking at the monitors during scenes. They come up to me then and say "I had the same thing with my father."

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Quotes

Wrather: It's the little things that try us, said the man of the pygmy judge.

User Reviews

Superb, unique and immensely pleasurable

Dean Spanley is delightful, warm, and deeply affecting. It deals with timeless topics, while recreating a rich bygone atmosphere. To hear the repartee of the four principles is priceless. The language is sparklingly literate, precise and urbane, and the choice of words and turns of phrase actually sensual to those who have a love of companionable conversation.

The incomparable Peter O'Toole at the peak of his mastery, Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill, and Bryan Brown weave an immersive presentation of pure acting talent such as is seldom seen. And it is set up by top-notch writing, exquisite sets and beautiful cinematography and costuming.

Mr. O'Toole can match the very best acting in cinematic history using only his eyes