(If you’re curious, my review process. It’s also pasted at the end of this post. I don’t believe in Rotten Tomatoes. I just believe in me.)
(***all-purpose SPOILER ALERT*** there may be some in this review)
The mini-review:
Gosford Park
acting 8
directing 8
writing 7
effects 8
editing 7
SW score: 38
3.8 out of 5 octopi
++ No one handles ensembles better than Robert Altman. He has a gift for giving 3 dimensions to a multitude of characters. And each of his films has a multitude. Gosford Park is Downton Abbey many years before Downton Abbey was even conceived. Maggie Smith is her usual scene-stealing juggernaut. She cannot be ignored. She cannot disappoint. I know I’m singling her out but I would be a dick if I didn’t note that the entire ensemble delivered fine turns of their own. The dialogue and sets sparkle and the story moves along at a fine pace and keeps you interested. Everything is done well, as I have come to expect from a Robert Altman joint. It’s deeply satisfying and entertaining.
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(1) Shark Wrighter (SW) Score: Based on a sum of 5 sub-scores (acting, directing, writing/story, effects: cinematography &/or animation &/or effects, editing) with 1 being terrible and 10 being terrific.
(2) Octopuses (0-5 🐙, with 5 being fantastic and 0 being feces)
(3) Octopuses are my unquantifiable feeling…not that SW score is scientific…but this one is even less so
(4) ++ This optional section includes any incredibly *brilliant observations that don’t fit into simple quantitative slices like the scores and octopuses *(they are likely NOT brilliant)
