Here's the thing: no matter what I write, a lot of you, and you know who you are, are going to see this movie. A literary adaptation of Susan Minot's bestselling novel about wealthy, beautiful wasps, adapted by none other than Michael Cunningham, the author responsible for that beloved Oscar-winner The Hours, Evening features a good chunk of the same elite cast: Meryl Streep! Toni Collete! Claire Danes! Eileen Atkins!
But wait! There's more! Vanessa Redgrave, Glenn Close, Meryl Streep's daughter, rising star Mamie Gummer (the resemblance is uncanny), Redgrave's accomplished actress daughter Natasha Richardson. Check out Claire Danes' newest real-life love interest Hugh Dancy! Dig the dreamy, creamy cinematography: the sunsets and the sunrises, the sailboats and the furious rain storms and the groovy 1950's clothes. Be swayed by the ad campaigns already hinting at Oscar glory!
Not see Evening? It's like having to say no to a Jane Austen adaptation. (I'll have more to say about that when the genteel Anne Hathaway vehicle Becoming Jane comes out later this summer.)
Meryl Streep and Vanessa Redgrave learn that it's never to late to reminisce.
Focus FeaturesThe film, directed by Lajos Koltai, with cinematograpy by Gyula Pados, is certainly lovely to look at. The over-the-top sentimental story, however, will wear you down, ruin any pleasure derived from watching luminous Danes and illustrious others -- all those famous people acting their hearts out in such enviable surroundings.
Here's the story: present day Ann (Redgrave) is dying of cancer. She's led a full life with two grown daughters at the deathbed to prove it. (Richardson and Collete, who sports a punk haircut to signify her rebel status.) Redgrave puts on a big old acting show, spouting all sorts of mumbo jumbo, talking about Harris. Harris.
Who is Harris? He's the love of her life, of course, and through a series of flashbacks, you'll get to learn the whole story: Lila's big wedding, the mad antics of her impetuous younger brother (Dancy), observes the ways of a proper Wasp mother (Close), and of course, get to know Harris (Patrick Wilson), the manly man that both young women lust after.
So, there it is. In present time, Ann is dying, tossing and turning, raving about strangers, but also just lucid enough to provide both daughters words of comfort. Whereas, in flashback time, Ann relives that fateful weekend. It's artfully done, too artfully done. Despite the fine pedigree cast and crew, the last minute appearance of Streep, all that heightened emotion seems based on not particularly much.
Consider yourself warned. The sunsets are lovely. Claire Danes does, in fact, glow.
