Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Billy Wonka (A) on May 31, 2013 at 20:09:33

This is a retelling of the classic story about astonishing lookalikes trading places. John Standing (teacher) meets Johnny Spence (cad) in a pub one night only to be Shanghaied into becoming Johnny against his will. The story covers John's ascent to being the head of a very troubled aristocratic family in 1952. There isn't a lot of new ground covered here in plot but that's not what the Brits really do. This film is a visual feast of fine cinematography and art direction drowning the viewer in the elegance of a time since past. Matthew Rhys plays John/Johnny with great nuance showing deepening shades of his Doppelganger as he grows into Johnny's familial role.

Despite its high predictability factor this film shines with performances and looks. If you don't need adrenaline in your films than this might give you something to study and appreciate.