The Invisible Woman - Review B

Ralph Finnes proves he has a directorial talent in his wonderful adaptation of the life of Charles Dickens in The Invisible Woman. Nelly, a young school teacher is haunted by her past. We are taken back in time to take a look at her affair with Dickens, through the use of flashbacks caused by her guilt and loss. Although it is apparent that Dickens has also fallen for Nelly, their relationship is not believable until the end of the film. Nelly, (Felicity Jones) who is 18 at the time of the affair, seems like only a fan, over obsessed with her idol. She follows Dickens around like a lost puppy. Until Nelly falls pregnant with their first child, this is all their relationship seems to be. During the film, I did get a little bored. The film was disjoined in certain parts, and was very slow. During the first half of the film, the fact that Nelly is having flashbacks is drilled into us, which is what makes the relationship unbelievable. Joanna Scanlan gives an amazing performance as Dickens's neglected wife, Catherine. Her performance rose above both Finnes and Felicity Jones’. 

All of this notwithstanding, Finnes uses a series of beautiful scenes and breath-taking shots, as well as this, the costume design is perfect. Not only this, but there are several references to the work of Dickens, such as The Waves and Great Expectations. As well as starring on screen in the lead role of Dickens; Finnes has a very obvious talent for directing, however, his true calling is acting. 

Review by: Vicki Bilton

The Invisible Woman - Review A

Charles Dickens was the greatest writer in the world. His greatest story was the one he could never tell.

With Fiennes at the forefront of the screen, this biographical drama depicts the private life of the public figure, Mr. Charles Dickens. Although ‘The Invisible Woman’ markets itself as the story of Charles Dickens and his secret lover this is not his story, but his mistress’, Nelly Ternan (Felicity Jones). It is the tale of her unstable path from girlhood to womanhood, and the obsession she faces with a married man who could never have loved her the way he loved his fame.

The greater part of this film plays out in a flashback; the narrative oscillates between Nelly’s world, centred on Dickens and her world after his death. Between lengthy scenes that highlight the key changes in their precarious relationship, we find adult Nelly dressed in black and marching along the beaches of Margate, turning her head to catch the sounds of the waves she recognises from his favourite writing, tormented by loss in her mind where time does not threaten her attempts at finding closure. Though the pace is somewhat disjointed in places, the audience is given a credible and wanton display of conflicted passion between the lovers throughout their capricious affair.

Despite a marginally slow start, The Invisible Woman is beautifully crafted, with stunning performances, cinematography and scenes that make the heart tremble in realisation that through love, two human creatures may know each other.

Review by: Elizabeth Wylie

Inside Llewyn Davis

After a long wait of three years, I am happy to say that The Coen Brothers created a masterpiece once again. Known for their exceptional style of filmmaking a storytelling, Ethan and Joel Coen once again prove themselves to be two of the most prolific filmmakers out there. The film is set in Greenwich Village in 1961, and is designed to show a cold and blue look which reflects the sadness and coldness of the plot and characters. This cold feeling is juxtaposed by the classic dark humour of the Coen Brothers which is apparent in all of their filmography. Inside Llewyn Davis is the story of a folk singer (Llewyn), who used to be a part of a successful duo which no more exists because of the death of his partner, and is struggling to get back on the music scene. Llewyn is constantly moving around, sleeping over at other people’s houses, running into obstacles non-stop. Despite the loathsome character of Llewyn, you will still manage to feel a connection a care for him eventually. Everyone delivers a flawless performance, especially the funny appearance of John Goodman. The only problem with this film in particular is that, unlike The Coens earlier films, it is crucial to have seen a few of their other flicks before watching Inside Llwyn Davis. The atmosphere might feel very unfamiliar to those who are not used to the Coen Brothers’ style, yet I truly believe this to be one of the most well crafter films of the year.

Review by: Mohamed Sultan

The first show

Tonight was the first show and tonight's film reviewers were Mohamed and Laura with Sammi presenting. Mohamed did a great in-depth review of Inside Llewyn Davis which showed his interest in films made by the Cohen brothers. Whilst Laura did a passionate review of 12 Years a Slave. We went to discuss other films we've seen recently, what sorts of films we enjoy and classic films.