Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Audiophilander (A) on March 05, 2007 at 12:32:18

In Reply to: I thought Giamatti.. posted by dave c on March 4, 2007 at 12:45:34:

>>> "I thought Giamatti's character was obsessively concerned with being fair. An unlikely state in that historical setting." <<<

Not at all. The fact that he had to placate the aristocracy didn't conflict with his personal struggle to maintain his position as an honest public servant. It was a difficult balance, but in a period when the old ways of royalty having absolute political authority were in decline and the growing bourgeoisie's bureaucratic influence was in ascendence, such behavior does not appear out of place.

>>> "As for Biel's character. What was she doing with the prince? She clearly had no interest, but she completely flipped as soon as the magician re-appeared." <<<

Again, this was still a period when aristocratic power held some sway, especially when it came to affairs of state, including arranged marriages. She had little control and was serving her family's and the state's requirements out of honor, and possibly fear of reprisal against those close to her. Her childhood lover's scheme played perfectly into this scenario.

FYI, my wife and I screened this film on a 10' screen for a large groups of friends attending our housewarming party back in January just after The Illusionist was released on DVD. At the end of the film there was unanimous applause that even surprised me! Apparently this movie clicked with an audience of our frinds, to a person!

Cheers,
AuPh