“Exquisitely written and directed, and with a sense of darkness all its own – Sofia Coppola has outdone herself this time!” – Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser
THE BEGUILED – Rated R- 1 hr. 33 mins.
Starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, & Oona Laurence
Venturing into this storyline for the 2nd time for the big screen (the original film was made in 1971- starring Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, Elizabeth Hartman and Pamelyn Ferdin) Writer and Director Sofia Coppola tells a captivating tale set in the troughs of the civil war…the is THE BEGUILED!
Sent off to gather mushrooms for supper, we meet the young and enchanting Amy (Oona Laurence), who happens upon a wounded soldier, Corporal John McBurney (Colin Farrell).
Convincing Amy that he means her no harm, she helps McBurney back to the plantation for some much needed aid and rest.
When owner and head mistress Miss Martha (Nicole Kidman) gets past her anger at the presence of this Union Soldier now within their midst, it seems that Martha, and a few of the other young ladies inhabiting the manor, are extremely happy to have this new visitor among them.
As Corporal McBurney’s strength slowly but surely returns, it seems that Edwina (Kirsten Dunst) has become quite smitten with this fine strapping specimen of a man. Lost in her dream world of Corporal McBurney whisking her off to a better life, Edwina is crushed when it seems that the Corporal has eyes for another, the young and beautiful Alicia (Elle Fanning), thus bringing much hostility and jealousy to this once rather happy abode.
When this assorted state of affairs brings with it much misery and heartache for the women involved ~ Corporal McBurney may have wanted to choose a different path amongst his many suitors, as this secret haven may not end up being as exciting as he once thought it would…
I give THE BEQUILED a rating of MUST SEE ON the BIG SCREEN! Talk about a Masterpiece – this time THE BEGUILED is not only exquisitely written & directed, but the ambiance, beauty and pain of the Civil War era comes shining through with each passing frame. Farrell is exceptional as the sweet and endearing one minute, then cruel and angry the next Corporal John McBurney. Kidman is also sheer perfection as Head Mistress Miss Martha, as her beauty and presence are truly breathtaking throughout. Add in exceptional performances by Dunst, Fanning and Laurence, and you have an enchantingly beautiful, yet dark and merciless film that surpasses anything I have seen in quite some time. Suffice to say that this film is best suited being presented on the biggest screen you can find, as you must experience its incredible imagery, costumes and performances this way, in order to fully experience this majestic rendering of a tale…
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 