I just finished watching this film and I was deeply moved by it. I must say I am easily moved, but this was a good film and the two leads, Edward Norton and Naomi Watts were highly impressive. It wasn't as Hollywood-esque as the original film starring Greta Garbo was, but was more realistic and grand in cinematography.
This film just reminds me yet again of how fragile life is and how we must never take it for granted. Love can come into our lives, and some of us are too blind to see it until it is too late. I think there are many women in the world like Kitty (Watts), who are beautiful, frivolous and oftentimes bored. There are not many men like Walter (Norton), who was self-effacing and gentlemanlike and whose worth shone through immediately (well, to me at least!).
As for the costume design, it was nice to see good English tailoring, though I must admit I think my wonderful boyfriend looks much better in that period gentlemen's attire than Norton did; but it was still nice to see him and the other characters thus apparelled.
I really did like Naomi's hair in the film, though it was probably a wig. Nevertheless, I might just do something like that with mine someday.
I am glad I saw this film (thanks to my honey) and I will recommend it to my friends.
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Lift not the painted veil which those who live
Call Life: though unreal shapes be pictured there,
And it but mimic all we would believe
With colours idly spread,--behind, lurk Fear
And Hope, twin Destinies; who ever weave
Their shadows, o'er the chasm, sightless and drear.
I knew one who had lifted it--he sought,
For his lost heart was tender, things to love,
But found them not, alas! nor was there aught
The world contains, the which he could approve.
Through the unheeding many he did move,
A splendour among shadows, a bright blot
Upon this gloomy scene, a Spirit that strove
For truth, and like the Preacher found it not.
2008-06-29 @ 05:16