this film has a couple of remarkable strengths, especially the actors, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson and some others. Together with good cinematography they manage to produce enchanting moments and in line with the film's overall intentions, it offers its own comments: to this film, like to Peter Sellers, there is a magnetic side. The theme in itself is also worthwhile: the tyranny of possibility, how being a brilliant actor means giving up being a distinct person because you can be so much. Some of the best moments are watching Rush acting Sellers acting in films.
Yet ultimately the film does not hold together. Some of the connections are overwrought, especially when Rush steps into Sellers playing a surprise appearance as his own mother, clearly pronouncing the theme of the genius being condemned to aloofness. Here the movie becomes as clichéd as a novel by Balzac. After such scenes you lose faith, and it is difficult to turn back onto the film.
A couple of decisions really damaged the film. The songs seem to have been chosen by an intern. They are meant to complement the film, but effectively sabotage crucial scenes, because they are entirely obvious, over-rehearsing an already existing theme.
Charlize Theron is not convincing as Brit Eklund, although she does her best.
Lastly, when Rush acts out the unpleasant side of Sellers, he overdoes it. Yes, Sellers may have been that way but a good representation should have been a little more withdrawn and subtle. This would have made the film much stronger.
On balance, it is a good film and worth watching but not what it could have been.
Yet ultimately the film does not hold together. Some of the connections are overwrought, especially when Rush steps into Sellers playing a surprise appearance as his own mother, clearly pronouncing the theme of the genius being condemned to aloofness. Here the movie becomes as clichéd as a novel by Balzac. After such scenes you lose faith, and it is difficult to turn back onto the film.
A couple of decisions really damaged the film. The songs seem to have been chosen by an intern. They are meant to complement the film, but effectively sabotage crucial scenes, because they are entirely obvious, over-rehearsing an already existing theme.
Charlize Theron is not convincing as Brit Eklund, although she does her best.
Lastly, when Rush acts out the unpleasant side of Sellers, he overdoes it. Yes, Sellers may have been that way but a good representation should have been a little more withdrawn and subtle. This would have made the film much stronger.
On balance, it is a good film and worth watching but not what it could have been.
Tell Your Friends