England 1932. A murder takes place during an eventful weekend at the country home of Sir William (Michael Gambon) and Lady Sylvia McCordle (Kristen Scott Thomas) and there is no shortage of suspects.
At first glance Gosford Park appears to be a posh homage to Agatha Christie whodunits.
However, with Hollywood maverick Robert Altman at the helm the film expands into an exploration of the English class system and the stifling effect of its values and attitudes on human lives.
Film Ropes In Viewers with Roving Camera
The camera prowls through hallways and behind closed doors to eavesdrop on private conversations, shifting restlessly from the goings-on upstairs to the dramas unfolding in the servants' quarters below. The technique is reminiscent of director Alfred Hitchcock's roaming camerawork in 1948's classic Rope. (This may not be as fanciful as it sounds. Altman directed episodes of Hitchcock's weekly TV series in the 1950s. One website - bbc.co.uk - refers to Hitchcock as Altman's "mentor".)
Oscar Calibre Cast
Altman gives his distinguished cast of players ample freedom to develop their characters and the actors return the favor with richly textured performances.
Maggie Smith is a model of sardonic wit as the imperious Countess of Trentham. Helen Mirren is customarily fine in a deceptively tricky role as Mrs. Wilson, the stony head housekeeper. Both women were singled out for Oscar honors. However, everyone in the cast deserves kudos. Bob Balaban as Hollywood B-movie producer Morris Weissman and Ryan Phillipe as cocky valet Henry Denton are the only Americans in an otherwise all British ensemble which includes Alan Bates, Emily Watson, Jeremy Northam and Clive Owen.
DVD Commentary Tracks Provide Insight Into Filmmaking Process
There are two audio tracks on the DVD. One of the tracks is hosted by Julian Fellowes (winner of an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Gosford Park.) The second commentary track is by director Altman, art director son Stephen Altman and producer David Levy (all three received Oscar nominations for their respective roles in the making of the film.)
Confused by the multiple storylines and characters? Not to worry. "I don't think it is important that you get everything," says the director. "If you were looking through windows you'd see this and that and you'd have to put things together on your own."
At one point, son Stephen wryly comments on one of his father's editing choices: "Wasn't that one of the cardinal rules in Film School 101? Never cut on a pan?" "Oh yes, And all those rules were broken," replies his wily old dad, "That's what rules are there for."
That one comment alone provides a tantalizing glimpse into the mindset of the ornery auteur responsible for cinematic gems like Nashville, M*A*S*H and Short Cuts (to name a few).
It's a Wrap!
If you are accustomed to Hollywood-style fast food filmmaking you may find Altman's approach to the art hard to digest.
However, for Altman aficionados and/or Christie mysteries and/or fans of PBS' Upstairs, Downstairs, this 2001 entry is the movie equivalent of a gourmet meal.
Richard Goertz - Richard Goertz has a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and History acquired light years ago (when his hair was longer) and have ...
