Gosford Park Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)February 27th, 2002
GOSFORD PARK (2001) / *** 1/2
Directed by Robert Altman. Screenplay by Julian Fellowes, based on an idea by Altman and Bob Balaban. Starring Kelly Macdonald, Maggie Smith, Kristin Scott Thomas. Running time: 135 minutes. Rated AA by the MFCB. Reviewed on February 26th, 2002.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: Sir William McCordle (Michael Gambon) and his wife Sylvia (Scott Thomas) invite their family and friends to a hunting party on their country estate. Amongst the guests is Constance (Smith), Sylvia's aunt, whose young maid Mary (Macdonald) is just one of many servants present. Mary discovers that there is more linking the guests than just family ties, and more connections between the classes than merely the bonds of servitude. This realisation takes on new importance when a murder is uncovered.
Review: With a cast like this and Altman at the helm, it's hard to imagine "Gosford Park" could have turned out to be anything but entertaining. And indeed, it is a terrific movie, even if it is not quite what many viewers will expect. Certainly, it has all the trappings of an Agatha Christie mystery -- a rural mansion, numerous suspects, a puzzling murder -- but the simple fact that the killing does not occur until more than halfway through the film should be a strong indicator that Altman's true focus lies elsewhere. Instead, he uses the classical scenario as a hook on which to explore class relations; hence those Downstairs (the servants) are as important and well-depicted as the lords and ladies Upstairs. Altman explores how the aristocracy considers itself independent of, and superior to, the lower classes, when really the two are inextricably linked, and completely reliant upon each other. As in "Nashville", Altman handles his many characters wisely. Their identities are confusing at first, but by the time we need to know who's who, we've become acquainted with everyone. And despite the large cast, several performances still stand out, especially Macdonald and the deliciously snobbish Smith. Also delightful are Stephen Fry and Ron Webster, as an inspector and his constable, whose murder investigation uproariously reflects the class divide.
Copyright © 2002 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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