|
|
I went into this film with high expectations, which is never a good thing. I wouldn't say that I was let down, but I definitely was not astounded. I was hoping for the Oscar performance of the year, not just a good film. That being said, I feel my resulting view is somewhat tarnished by my jaded attitude. Had I gone into it with no expectations, my opinion might be different. Or maybe not.
First off, Carey Mulligan is extremely natural, charming, and compelling in her role as the witty, intelligent Jenny. There is talk of her receiving an Oscar for her performance. To that I must express my doubts however. Mulligan fits her role beautifully, but it's not a very taxing role to fit. The wide-eyed school girl who gets duped by the older man; we've seen it before, though maybe not as well-done. She was a joy to watch and very charming, but nothing that I would call astounding. I didn't feel moved or changed by her performance. Do I have much more respect for her as an actor? Absolutely. Am I left breathless by her performance? No, not quite. I'm not even saying that good acting has to be dramatic; but she portrayed Jenny beautifully up until the end, when she showed very little depth of character. Her emotions seemed brittle and really only bordered anger. Even in the scene that she breaks down, I felt for her, but I did not feel a true sense of hurt, only sadness. Did she really love David? Carey has so much talent, but she definitely has some learning to do in film. I look SO forward to seeing her in other roles and watching her challenge herself. As for now, she rests upon a talented hopeful.
As for the film itself, it conveyed very little message. The setting was perfectly portrayed. Now I did not grow up in the 60's, but seeing films and documentaries, as well as speaking to others who have, I think I can say the film did the time justice. Not once did I question the dialogue or fashions. Mostly I felt the film captured the 60's mentality and way of life. Many are expressing concern over the age difference between Jenny and David, but to be honest, those were the times. Many young girls WERE duped by older men, especially lavish, glamorous ones like David and his friends. If nothing else, this movie is worth watching for the supremely well-done costumes, make-up, and overall period correctness. You certainly feel the fun of the 60's. The plot itself is compelling until towards the end. David and Jenny's relationship is definitely understandable and charming--even if you don't completely trust David, you fall in love with him through Jenny's eyes. His friends are likewise charming and humorous, and you are sucked into their way of life--parties, jazz, drinks, and cigarettes. At the same time, I felt The Talented Mr. Ripley showed the lavish lifestyle a little better. Where An Education excelled in portraying the 60's, I felt it did not expand enough upon any one theme. Did they want to show the destructiveness of a lavish life--the booze and jazz? Well, you caught a glimpse... Or maybe the love David felt for Jenny? That we never even truly understand. Why Jenny? Why this school girl? Yes, she was sophisticated, but why marry her? I suppose it was just his play-boy character, as his wife points out, but even that is not expanded upon. What this movie lacks is closure. Closure on their relationship, closure on the two friends, Danny and Helen--Did Danny love her; was he jealous; or was he just concerned for an innocent girl? (I will say Rosamund's character was extremely well played--it takes a very intelligent actor to play a very unintelligent person well.) And the last five minutes could have been an 80's montage, not to be crass. The depth was severely lacking. So she loses everything--does she cry? Maybe for three seconds after it immediately happens, during a touching scene between her and her father (the parents--another aspect left rather 2-dimensional). But after that she seems to lack a sense of depth, unable to portray all that has happened. So she studies hard and ends up at Oxford. First of all, how she was able to do that is never explained. Second, it was extremely neatly tied with a bow. And thirdly, what on earth is the message? Had David not been married, would she have chosen marriage over an education? We never really understand what there is to gain from an education.
If this movie were merely about a tragic incident where a girl gets mixed up in the fast-paced lavish world of the 60's, seduced by an older man, then An Education portrays it perfectly. However, the film attempts to convey a message that is not fully conveyed. Education is better than throwing life away for marriage. This is never truly explained, though. The former part is extremely well done. You become pulled into the lifestyle just as much as Jenny. But you also take away from the experience as much as she does--very little. The movie was nice to watch, charming and as seducing as David himself. But it will not blow your mind. It could have been brilliant, had some better choices been made.
Overall a joy to watch. I recommend seeing it, but just be aware of its flaws.
score 7/10
rjmatuse 23 January 2010
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2196419/ |
|
1-12-2019 22:10:54