My husband and I went to see A Good Year friday morning
at 11.50 a.m. We were the only people in the cinema, good, no others talking or eating and drinking. We both enjoyed the film, me for Russell and my husband for Fanny. Some of it was predictable, but it looked lovely and was funny some of the time. The novel is a lot darker with the wine smuggling etc. Altogether it was a good film, though I felt Albert Finney stole it from everyone else. Russell's English accent was a little orf at times, but the soundtrack was great fun, a must buy. I am sure Provence will be very crowded next year after people have seen the glorious countryside. --- Go judge for yourselves! JoYo U.K. |
|---|
I was
lucky enough to be in at the front of the line (got there 2 hrs.
early) and I got upgraded tickets to see AGY. Russell arrived & went
over to fans on the opposite side of the street to sign autographs
- it was hard to see him as there were security guards blocking
the view & also a white van (press?) parked at an angle across
the road. I had taken one of TOFOG's old CD's in hopes of
getting an autograph, but I was told if I left the ticket holder
line I might lose my place so didn't want to chance it.
Fortunately,
some ladies I had been speaking with in the line got a seat right
in the front row across the aisle from the stage & saved me
a seat - I had gotten a seat halfway back in the hall but they
sought me out & took me right up front.
Russell
didn't say much, most of the talking was done by Ridley Scott & a
short speech by the author of "A Year in Provence" , then the scriptwriter & the
French actress were introduced. Ridley Scott pretended that
he had forgotten Russell but, of course, he hadn't. Russell
was introduced to much applause. He is gorgeous - even better
looking in person.
I thought
AGY was a terrific film. I am a huge Gladiator fan, however
I found AGY to be a close runner for my affections. Russell
gave his usual outstanding performance. It was a treat to
see him doing this role. The scenery was lovely (I guess you would
know that) and I loved the soundtrack (there were some songs in
the movie I haven't heard for a good 30 years at least) The
music wasn't intrusive but seemed appropriate for the movie.
To
those who were critical of the bit where Max picks up the soil
(snarky remarks by some film critics of Gladiator deja vu)
- hey, the guy is thinking of selling the property - it would make
perfect sense to check out the soil the grapes are growing in!
Also to those who thought the humour was forced - they are forgetting the character: Max is a hard-headed business-man & he is now out of place & not 100% in control of the situation he is in - of course it seems a bit forced. I think
there are those critics who just can't find anything good to say
about any of Russell's performances.
This
one is terrific & I hope everyone will be going to see it. The
remarks I heard around me were "best one yet" "He's good,
isn't he" & others along the same line. I
have friends who aren't fans of his who said they had heard the
movie was good & would more than likely go to see it.
Anyhow,
that's my take on AGY
Diane
|
Just got back from seeing a screening of AGY at the Toronto Film Festival, and it is an excellent feel good movie. You will laugh you may even get tears in your eyes I know I did. The Toronto critics have given it ho hum reviews but I am sure anyone who sees it will not be disappointed. I look forward to going again when it is released in November. - Ann in Toronto |
Salon.com review plus press conference - Thanks, Cindy |