Release Date: 6/5/2001 Original Release: 2001 Format: DVD Length: 121 minutes Rating:R (MPAA) Rating Reason: sexuality and some language and violence UPC: 027616861108 Studio: MGM Home Entertainment
Dramas, Theatrical Release, California, Train Adventures, Old West, Railroads, Based On A Novel
Description
In transporting Thomas Hardy's THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE to the American West, English director Michael Winterbottom has fashioned an audacious, epic anti-Western that is a haunting achievement. Set in 1849, the story concerns Mr. Dillon (Peter Mullan), the ruler of Kingdom Come, a snow-covered mining town in Northern California. The story opens with the arrival of Dalglish (Wes Bentley), a handsome surveyor for the Pacific Coast Railroad, who is searching for the most sensible way to turn the dream of a transcontinental railroad into a reality. Also drifting into town are the seriously ill Elena (Nastassja Kinski) and her daughter, Hope (Sarah Polley), who have ambiguous ties to Dillon. Immediately, Hope and Dalglish become acquainted, but their potential romance is threatened by the presence of Lucia (Milla Jovavich), a Portuguese madam who lives with Dillon. As Dalglish reaches a decision regarding the railroad, Dillon must painfully confront mistakes he's made in the past, triggering a series of tragic occurrences.
Winterbottom's lush, expansive film miraculously manages to retain the somber spirit of Hardy's classically English tale. Employing the techniques that made Robert Altman's MCCABE & MRS. MILLER such a breathtaking spectacle--including Alwin Kuchler's dazzling cinematography and Michael Nyman's mesmerizing score--Winterbottom proves once again that he is an accomplished filmmaker who isn't afraid to tackle any genre.
DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35 Letterbox - 2.35 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Dolby Digital 5.1 - Spanish Additional Release Material: Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer
Two thumbs up? Seriously, was that during the time that Ebert was in the hospital or something? (I never pay any attention to that other a**hole that they replaced Siskel with.) I'd like to say that... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
