Roll-M: Movie Review

by Susan Sackett

Gosford Park (starring Maggie Smith, Alan Bates, Michael Gambon, Kirstin Scott Thomas, Stephen Fry, Bob Balaban, Henry Denton; written by Julian Fellowes; directed by Robert Altman; rated R).

Gosford Park is based on an idea by Robert Altman and Bob Balaban, although written by another fellow, Fellowes.  That idea is such a simple yet successful concept: Upstairs, Downstairs meets Agatha Christie.  What ensues is delicious mayhem, much frolicking above and below one’s station, and a nice British murder.  Oops, make that murders.  Well, actually, the same gentleman is murdered twice.  Whatever.

This is not so much a “who-done-it” as a who didn’t do it; naturally, everyone is suspect.  No need to round them up, though, since they’re all guests at the same country estate for the weekend.

Gosford Park is typical Altman, and he directs with his usual panache, adeptly handling his extensive, mostly British cast. With so many oddball characters, it’s hard to single out any particular performance.  But thanks to excellent casting, most of the actors have managed to create multi-dimensional characters despite their limited screen time.  Still, it can become a bit confusing with thirty or so people all woven into the picture’s tapestry. 

Note:  This movie was screened for the press at Farrelli’s Cinema Supper Club in North Scottsdale, a truly unique way spend an entertaining evening.  They have a fine bar, lovely art deco décor, and really tasty food.  The servers do their jobs well, never interfering with your viewing experience.  Reservations are a must for weekends, but weeknights are usually available.  With two screening rooms, you can choose between a current film and a classic flick. For information call  (480) 905-7200.  
 Rating 4 / 5

Spy Game (starring Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Catherine McCormack; screenplay by Michael Frost Beckner and David Arata; story by Beckner; directed by Tony Scott; rated R).

Robert Redford and Brad Pitt star as two generations of CIAgents in Spy Game, a slick action/adventure film told in a series of flashbacks.

Pitt was once Redford’s protégé, learning the “spy game” from this senior pro.  Later, they had a falling out and lost touch.  Now about to retire, Redford is summoned to a meeting with his superiors for one final game:  Pitt has been arrested in China during a prison breakout caper and will be executed at sunrise.  The brass want to know more about Pitt, but with international relationships at stake, they’re not interested in saving his hide.  Redford, on the other hand, must pull off the game of his life if he is to save his former buddy. 

The ticking clock keeps us centered as the story, and its exotic settings, take us to Vietnam, Berlin, Beirut and other locations (doubled by Budapest and Morocco).  But the bottom line is the tale of two spies.  Redford and Pitt have the screen chemistry needed to pull off this picture, and ultimately, it is the human story that captures our attention and makes this a worthwhile effort. Rating 3 ½ / 5