An Englishman In New York (out 28 December) John Hurt, Denis O'Hare, Cynthia Nixon, Jonathan Tucker, dir. Richard Laxton, 2009, cert. 15 Monkey score: 88% What It's About: An Englishman In New York, as shown on ITV1 on day of release, is a look at Quentin Crisp's later years. The Naked Civil Servant author moved to New York City in the early 1980s - An Englishman In New York tells the story of how the quintessential English eccentric became the toast of the town, before falling from grace after a rather gauche aids epidemic comment. The gaffe sees him descending back into a certain anonymity until he meets artist Patrick Angus. What MovieMonkeys thought: An Englishman In New York is as witty, touching and engaging as the great man was. While certainly as controversial as it is entertaining the public persona is only one facet of the Quentin Crisp's character explored here. The film succeeds in bringing the private man back to life too. This is particularly true when Crisp meets young artist Patrick Angus. Played brilliantly by Jonathan Tucker, you get the feeling that Angus' befriending brought Quentin back to life, at least socially. Indeed he braves estranged friends like Philip Steele (played by Denis O'Hare) to help get Patrick's work recognised, thus also somehow atoning for his Aids faux-pas to the gay community. This is really where the film's genius hits home, by succeeding in showing both the private and public sides of Crisp with equal impact. Coupled with John Hurt's portrayal of the gay and literary icon, this is not one to miss. Christmas telly is usually rather expandable, forgotten by the New Year. An Englishman In New York is anything but. The script and stellar performances will make you want to revisit Crisp's works, or discover them. John Hurt is simply magnificent in the lead role, playing private Crisp, public Crisp and ageing Crisp with equal yet somehow understated mastery. |
1941 2-disc Edition (out 28 December) John Belushi, Dan Ackroyd, John Candy, Ned Beatty, Toshiro Mifune, dir. Stevem Spielberg, 1979, cert. 12 Spielberg's odd comedy is loosely based on the panic that took over California after the bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941. The film was given a rather feeble DVD release in the US back in 1999 but until this week it was still a no-show on these shores. This new edition is certainly packing enough additional content to make amends for the delay. The film itself is a rare oddity in Spielberg's CV - the humour is definitely of the slapstick variety and gives 1941 an air of the Three Stooges. Slapstick indeed, but directed by Spielberg: the result is impeccable timings, great cinematography and a look & feel that would make some WWII more serious movies proud. Great performances throughout, too, from Saturday Night Live stalwarts Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi. A must for Spielberg die-hards, and a decent laugh for everybody else.
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