An adaption of Henry James’s 19th century novel
of the same name, What Maisie Knew has
undergone modernising alterations but retains the same pitiable core: a child
passed from pillar to post by divorced parents, repeatedly let down by those in
whom she places the most trust. Anchoring the film and appearing in every scene,
seven-year-old Onata Aprile is superb as the titular moppet, naturalistically weathering
the many disruptions and disappointments carelessly sent her character’s way.
As
the warring narcissists responsible, meanwhile, Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan
play to familiar strengths (displaying neurotic histrionics and haughty
arrogance respectively) but never let their roles become two-dimensional monsters;
though both parties are deeply selfish, they’re too pathologically pathetic to
be boo-hiss hateable. Tonally the film plots a slightly unsteady course, with
an encroaching mawkishness taking it a hair’s-breadth from Nicholas Sparks
territory. But pat resolutions asides, What
Maisie Knew squares its emotions believably, provoking upset and anger at its
scenes of collateral damage, but also inspiring respect for the resilience of
youth.
Out 23rd August
No comments:
Post a Comment