Kapil has gone back to reading (yay!) and the very first book that he read was “Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro. I haven’t read the novel myself, but was up for the movie version starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. How can one miss that!
The focal point of the story is slightly unusual – a middle aged butler of a British household. Mr. Stevens ( Anthony Hopkins) has served at Darlignton estate almost all his life. However, the war stirs things over and his Lord’s Nazi’s sympathies have him out of his home. Mr. Steven’s new master is an American politicion Mr. Farraday( Christopher Reeves!) . The movie opens with Farraday suggesting that Stevens take a holiday – a road trip. Stevens decides to visit the former housekeeper of Darlington Hall, Miss Keaton, and on his drive he reminices about the times under his old Master, Lord Darlignton (James Cox) before World War II.
“The Remains of the Day” is essentially a character sketch of Stevens. The central theme of the movie is the core quality of “diginity” that Stevens possesses and must possess to become a great butler. This quality is so important that it defines his relationship with his master, his staff, his father, his ability to love – his very existence. His work comes above everything else and at the price of relationships and his own happiness.
Anhtony Hopkins performance as Mr. Stevens is spot on. Without moving a muscle, is face still expresses amazing depths. One can’t help but feel sorry for Stevens by the end of the movie. Emma Thompson is the bright light in this slightly gloomy production. There are two scenes that are to watch out for – one in which they discuss a book ( extremely riveting – watch it out to find out why), and the one where they end their evening conferences. Hugh Grant makes a fleeting appearance as the Darlington’s godson.
Directed by award winning James Ivory, the movie literally takes us into the world of stuffy but luxurious world of noble English households. The movie is mostly shot indoors where the world of the domestic servants exist but there are some beautiful visuals of the English countryside.
Verdict : High quality cinema – must watch.
Good review. As I said to you, this movie was very true to the book and most scenes were very close to the book. I’d suggest that you should read the book too. BTW, it was not Harrington. It’s Lord Darlington.
Oops..I am just going to fix that. For some reason the name that stuck in my head was “Harrington”
After reading the review, feel like reading the book. Kapil is a seasonal reader like me.
Mr. Stevens reminds me of Jeeves who is also an epitome of your conventional butlers…the know all but silent, dignified gentleman’s gentleman who ensure that their master stands above all else. I wonder why I get a sense of gloominess from the review though
Like they say, its so hard to find trusted butlers or maids anymore!
@Mom – you should watch the movie – I think you will like it
@Zoya – Yes you are right about the gloominess – this movie does not have a very happy ending