Rating: Summary: "Downstirrs, Upstirrs . . . . in my lady's chamber ....." Review: This is a strange, grotesque vision of the Jekyll Household seen through so haunted eyes of Julia Roberts as the lowly help, [give or take a few problems of her own].Fog in the throat? Yes, most definately a complex picture of the doomed doctor's household and staff. This IS a mood piece par excellence, with a DY-NO-MITE Hyde-Jekyll Transformation sequence, very unusual and so different from the, effective though they are, earlier Barrymore/Tracy/March versions. It leaves you with that queasy feeling. Malkovich is suitably shrill as the doctor in distress. Glenn Close? Always stalwart as the crimson-lipped Madame. It is Miss Julia who impresses most with her ultra-vulnerability - a perfect realization of this girl. ...
Rating: Summary: Plenty of Julia in this one Review: This movie is a little criptive for my taste, but Julia gave a wonderful performance. It reaches to the depth of her unending talent as an artist. The movie keeps you in wonderment and doesn't exactly end as you would have it to, which gives it an interesting twist.
Rating: Summary: Roberts is fantastic! Review: When I first saw this film at the video store I wasn't sure if I should rent it. Especially since it didn't hit the theatres. I was glad I did though. This is a excellent film. Julia Roberts adds lots of spice to it. Shes sexy & mysterious. Definitely a good late night flick.
Rating: Summary: In Love With Julia's Face? Review: A stunning John Malkovitch can't even get this movie off the ground! Julia Roberts gives a fine, nuanced performance as a Victorian woman scarred by neglect and harsh work, but the director can't get away from close shots of Julia's face to give us a clear view of the action. Malkovitch is his usual superb, dangerous self, but he is crippled by the director's obsession with Julia's visage. The book is worth a lot more,the movie is only useful as background noise for a game of Scrabble. Better luck next time, Julia!
Rating: Summary: IF YOU'RE HAVING TROUBLE TO SLEEP.... Review: If you're having trouble to sleep, rent ( or buy ) this crap. The movie had a good premise, but the heavy direction ruined it.
Rating: Summary: Vastly Underrated Review: This stunning film was unjustly trounced upon its release but should be rediscovered on DVD in a beautiful widescreen transfer. Absorbing, elegant and intensely atmospheric. Roberts is fine in the lead and holds her own against Malkovich but it's Glenn Close who steals the show as a brothel madame. The technical accomplishments are simply outstanding with fog seeping into every crevice of the forboding sets and a subtle sound design laced with sinister whispers. Fans of "The Alienist" and Hammer Films should love it.
Rating: Summary: Julia at her most heartbreaking Review: This is the best movie in which Julia Roberts ever appeared! The masses did not understand this sophisticated film with its morbid and haunting atmosphere. The whole thing is stunning and Julia perfectly moves with grace and understanding of her role! I had read the novel by Valerie Martin upon which the movie is based and I must say that Frears, the director, was able to make a perfect adaptation for the big screen. I own the European DVD edition which is much richer in extras than the US version. If you like movies with a soul then do not miss "Mary Reilly"!
Rating: Summary: A definite must see! Review: I absolutely love this movie! I must admit, the first time I watched it, I didn't really think it would be that great. I saw it on HBO because there was nothing else on tv. I fell in love! Julia Roberts has been one of my favorite actresses since "Steel Magnolias". I had never really watched John Malkovich before. I fell in love with his acting abilities in this movie. I think never before had I noticed such a complete change in an actor from one character to another in one movie. After seeing "Mary Reilly", I ran to Blockbuster searching for John Malkovich films. I admit that some of them aren't so great, but you must see this one!
Rating: Summary: John Malkovich consented to work with *Julia Roberts*? Review: Sorry to whoever said it was great to see Julia Roberts in a "humble" role, but in the long run that only added to the unbelievability of the film. The pitiful excuse of an accent (don't they have coaches for that sort of thing?) is just icing on the cake. The sets, Glen Close, and John Malkovich are all wonderful, and with any other actress (and a better ending!) this film might have gotten off the ground. However, one look at the wet puppy dog eyes and gaping maw of Julia Roberts, even without makeup, and everyone else, no matter how brilliant they are normally, might as well be wearing a shirt which says: "I was in a chick-flick star-vehicle for Julia Roberts and all they gave me was this lousy t-shirt." C'mon, folks, she's lovable fluff and that's about it. There's a reason most of her characters have names like Traci, Candy, and Babs and the one film with serious social implications (Sleeping with the Enemy) ended up as a song and dance number touting her indefatigable cuteness.
Rating: Summary: Haunting Review: This film happens to be a peculiar favorite of mine primarily because the setting, music, and cinematography set the overall haunting atmosphere of the film. Everything about the atmosphere is overshadowing. The film seems to mold the setting as an additional character by accenting the actions of Jekyll, Hyde,and Mary. A particular scene that catches my attention everytime is when Mary plants the flowers in the backyard, and soon afterward the vibrant colors of the flowers do no help "enliven" the space. This is the main reason for why I enjoyed the film because it demonstrates how enviornment forshadows the dangerous activities of the Doctor. However, I do acknowledge there are aspects of the film that are not as strong.There are parts of the film that both distracte, and fascinate me. The only weak point for me in watching the film is the lack of control in the Irish "accent" from Julia Roberts that filters in and out frequently throughout the film. The acting from the cast is good. John Malkovich's performance was great and as always with a suave seduction that isn't unfamiliar from his previous works. I was surprised however by Julia Robert's portrayal of Mary Reilly. I have never seen Roberts play a character that wasn't "glamorous" to some degree. Mary Reilly is a strong character that has survived abuse, and lived out a good life. I feel that Roberts did convey the sadness and curiosity of the character Mary. Overall, this film is an enjoyable film, but not a masterpiece or classic. It is a film that is filled with dark corridors, shadows, and fog, all of which add to the story and plight of the principal characters.
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