- The soundtrack should be a leading contender for a "Best Original Score" Oscar (would you expect anything else from the director of "The Piano"?)
- I'm a big fan of Paul Schneider's acting ("Lars & the Real Girl"; "Assassination/JJames/Ford") but as John Keats' confidante and fellow poet "Mr. Brown," his thick Scottish brogue comes and goes. (It is a distraction from an otherwise solid performance). Why couldn't Campion find a British actor for this pivotal role?
See it if you can, and I will write a full review in time for awards season!!
I am not familiar with the director, but the prestige of the cast and writer are enough to convince that there is more to recommend this film than a mere 'sports story' -- even if the sport is British 'soccer' (there can never be too many soccer movies out there). If that doesn't sell you, how about the presence of Academy-award winner Jim Broadbent??
The titular United is the once-mighty Leeds United (now relegated to second division status, alas), and the time is the free-for-all Sixties, when United was king of hill in English Football. Enter a cocky player turned manager of lowly Derby County who has a vendetta against Leeds and their manager (played as a meany by Colm Meaney). Michael Sheen has a knack for believably portraying real-life figures (not by relying on impersonation), and at the end of this movie, when news footage show the real characters in this drama, you realize how much Sheen has nailed it yet again.
The drama builds to a face-to-face confrontation on television (shades of Frost/Nixon??) that ends up being more sad than dramatic. An entertaining film, nonetheless, all the more so if you love Brits and soccer! And Jim Broadbent!!
An Education
Screenplay by Nick Hornby (High Fidelity)
A well-written screenplay and fine performances from the principals cannot save this rather predictable, young woman's coming-of-age story set in 1960s Britain (again!) from its inadequate director (a Dane I had never heard of, Lone Scherfig). One can see the plot developments coming from a mile away, and the small role by Emma Thompson is badly-played.
Another word or two about the cast. Newcomer Carey Mulligan is indeed a treat in the lead as a precocious teenager eager to dive into the world of sophisticated adulthood offered by the older, smooth-talking Peter Saarsgard. [He is an American actor who can sustain a decent British accent!]. She is a natural, in the same vein as the great Sally Hawkins in last year's "Happy Go Lucky" (who not only was robbed of Oscar recognition, but also is deserving of more than the one-scene cameo she is given by this Danish director!) Don't get me started ! ...
