Total Eclipse

Rating:
Summary: fantastic.
Review: This is a movie that truly displays DiCaprio's talent. He portrayed Rimbaud excellently. The movie has it's share of laughs as well as tears. It really strengthened my appreciation for Rimbaud's poetry.

Rating:
Summary: Leo is NOT miscast!
Review: Leonardo DiCaprio is totally brilliant in this movie!! He proves that he is a VERY talented actor in this complex and twisted true story of a very sick "love affair". Even though Leo does sometimes look innocent he is brilliantly seductive in this film. In reality Leo may have felt too innocent to play this role but he pulled it off with his wonderful acting abilities. The acting by every person in this movie is VERY good. However, this film would probably not suit most peoples taste in cinema. Leo is a talented star and one that should be watched! I look forward to seeing more work of this phenomenal star!

Rating:
Summary: Leonardo Dicaprio looks uncomfortably miscast.
Review: Leonardo Dicaprio looks uncomfortably miscast as outrageous 19th century French poet Rimbaud a situation exacerbated by Verlaine sounding like the Queen's gentleman in waiting. Leonardo makes Rimbaud sound like he was raised in downtown Manhattan rather than a small French town. The films only saving grace is the very moving ending. Overall I think this film will be enjoyed by people studying 19th century french poetry rather than the general public.

Rating:
Summary: Poetry in Motion
Review: Despite the negative criticism of this film, it is a priceless asset to serious Rimbaud scholars. Although some creative liberty is taken by the director, the film does generally tell the story of the young poetic genius. DiCaprio is amazing in this role. The cinematography, music, and and attention to detail add to the profundity of the film. Although I would have liked to have seen more attention to Rimbaud's words, messages, thoughts, etc., I- an "academic," not a film critic per say- was impressed with this film.

Rating:
Summary: Simply wonderful
Review: Although leaving out much of the important factors of their literary world, the portrayal of Verlaine and Rimbaud was fairly well done in my opinion. It's worth checking out for yourself, in any case. I find the two actors quite suiting for the characters, and for the most part, it was simply wonderfully done ( aside from the crude representation of an older Rimbaud, in the desert, as well as an older Verlaine's overly done, overdramatic manner). Verlaine's character was especially good, and Rimbaud's wild, dirty and cocky nature in the film were represented greatly. The fact of the matter is this: It would be impossible to peg Rimbaud's brilliance in a film of 120 minutes, therefore having to take the most important factors was necessary. A person searching for a story of his literary work wouldn't find much to this film, but a person who simply wants to understand more of the relationships that shaped this genius's talented works will not be disappointed. My experience is that most people find it quite disturbing because "Leonardo plays a gay guy", and undoubtedly these are the people who aren't watching for a biographical purpose, nor a purpose to gain more insight into the poet himself. I suggest watching it for the sole reason of gaining insight into the poet, otherwise, it probably wouldn't be your cup of tea.

Rating:
Summary: It was a great movie of Arthur Rimbaud.(Leo rocked !!!!!!!!)
Review: I thought it had a great story, and a truthful ending. Leo portrayed Arthur Rimbaud perfectly. But, I do think that Miss Holland should have picked a better Paul Verlane. Miss Holland picked a great Arthur.

Rating:
Summary: Well made but depressing film.
Review: I saw this at the theatre and although I am not a DiCaprio fan I thought this was one of his better roles. The film was well made, but I found the two lead characters distasteful which made it difficult to really say I enjoyed the movie. Great cinema but not everyones taste.

Rating:
Summary: Daring and it's damn great!!!
Review: Some say it's very bad but for me the story and the acting is great. Leonardo Di Caprio is sensational!

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous Movie
Review: I viewed Total Eclipse on the Independent Film Cable Channel and though it was edited (no nudity or vile profanity which are really unimportant anyway)I loved it!! The actors performances are magnificant as well a great story. This journey into the lives of these two poets takes you on a different kind of love story...I feel that we all have similar "idiosyncracies" to some degree and if your an open minded person you can "feel" the glory of this love story!!

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and distrubing
Review: This moth to the flame story, a kind of male-to-male "Blue Angel," is as old as time. There are pretentious moments, to be sure, but I found myself drawn in despite them. Most of us, unless our sprits are dead, wrestle with these kinds of questions now and then. Is tasting fire and passion that lets you know yourself to be fully alive worth its sometimes terrible price.