Vanity Fair (2004) 
Directed by Mira Nair
Starring Reese Witherspoon, James Purefoy, Gabriel Byrne
What makes a film good and what turns a good film into a great film, I wonder? Well, personally, I guess a great film comes along when it manages to pull you into the character's journey and the situations he/she may be in and you somehow subconsciously fall prey to the emotional "trap" of the character. In other words, you start to empathize with him/her and you have anchored your feelings for the person in the film. By the end of the film, you realized that you do care for this particular "make-believed" character in the film. Well, 
going into the film without much expectation, I started watching Vanity Fair, mostly because of Reese Witherspoon for I like her in Walk The Line (very much) and Just Like Heaven. Apart from beautifully photographed, I could not seem to anchor my emotions for Becky Sharp and the journey that she had to go through to survive in that ruthless high society back then. Sometimes, it felt contrived, for instance, the scene where she dances that Indian dance. For me, it felt more like it was put there for Mira Nair wanted to show the Indian influence then and not so much to support the storyline. The same goes to the ending of the film - 
the colourful parade down the Indian street with the elephants and the cheerful crowd. But then, I have to say that the production designer, Maria Djurkovis and costume designer, Beatrix Aruna Pasztor both did a great job in the film for the costumes are a feast to the eyes and the set designs were marvelous. Other than that, it just seemed like a stylishly done film that could have been great but merely entertaining without much soul. I do believe it's always the hardest to strike a balance between aesthetics (style) and real content (substance) or more importantly, how to remain true to the art of simple storytelling.
going into the film without much expectation, I started watching Vanity Fair, mostly because of Reese Witherspoon for I like her in Walk The Line (very much) and Just Like Heaven. Apart from beautifully photographed, I could not seem to anchor my emotions for Becky Sharp and the journey that she had to go through to survive in that ruthless high society back then. Sometimes, it felt contrived, for instance, the scene where she dances that Indian dance. For me, it felt more like it was put there for Mira Nair wanted to show the Indian influence then and not so much to support the storyline. The same goes to the ending of the film - the colourful parade down the Indian street with the elephants and the cheerful crowd. But then, I have to say that the production designer, Maria Djurkovis and costume designer, Beatrix Aruna Pasztor both did a great job in the film for the costumes are a feast to the eyes and the set designs were marvelous. Other than that, it just seemed like a stylishly done film that could have been great but merely entertaining without much soul. I do believe it's always the hardest to strike a balance between aesthetics (style) and real content (substance) or more importantly, how to remain true to the art of simple storytelling. 
wrote the play, for his writing is so poetic yet satirical and witty in so many ways, it works to subtly, with a blend of hit-you-right-on-your-face type of brutality towards reality and truthfulness in dealing with the issues of people who are living and surviving with AIDS and how human react in a homosexual environment. I love Al Pacino for his intense portrayal of this real life character called Roy Cohn. He plays it so bad to the bone that you could really hate his guts but somehow empathise with him in the struggle of his final moments confronting death in a hospital. I guess it shows that no matter how powerful and glorious a man can be when he is alive, ultimate fate does 
not grant him any exceptions in life. My most vivid memory of Meryl Streep was many years ago watching her in The Bridge of Madison County, those heartbreaking moments where the car she was in moves further and further away from the one she loves (Clint Eastwood), rain pouring outside, how sad indeed. I have always loved her acting (especially in The Hours). Here, she plays Hannah Pitt, the mother to Joe Pitt (played by Patrick Wilson), a guy who grew up in a strict religious family yet struggles with his own true sexual identity, as well as with his forever disillusioned wife, Harper (played by Mary-Louise Parker). She would always imagine herself traveling through different dimensions, with the help of a dream travel agent 
(also doubled by Jeffrey Wright). An interesting character to watch out for. Meryl Streep also plays another real life character, Ethel Rosenberg, a ghost who frequently visits Roy in the hospital to haunt him for the bad things he had done to her ,as well as the Rabbi. Emma Thompson looks stunningly beautiful in this film for she plays the 
between the chaotic world of our two lead homosexual lovers - Prior Walter (played by Justin Kirk) and Luios Ironson (played by Ben Shenkman). When Prior was diagnosed with AIDS, Luios could not handle the truth and pressure and left Prior to deal with the ordeal. Hence, begins an unbelievable yet imaginative journey (and physical struggles) of Prior (mainly from his point of view) to deal with his ever deteriorating condition - the decaying of the body, mind, spirit 
and most importantly, hurt by the lost of love from the one he loved the most. Nonetheless, supports from his friends, Belize and later, Hannah keeps him going. A very down to earth yet philosophical look at some heavy issues in this century of humankind existence - ultimately, to find love and to be loved, no matter what sexual preferences one may have. I guess this is what each individual should be entitled for and should strive to attain in life. Definitely a must watch!
