FILM OF THE WEEK
The Beguiled Cert: 15A; Now showing
Sofia Coppola has been clear that this, her sixth feature, is not a remake of the 1971 Don Siegel/ Clint Eastwood film of the same name but an adaptation of Thomas Cullinan’s 1966 novel. It lacks the sledgehammer sexuality of the 1971 film to which it is inevitably compared but its dreamy, vaguely fairytale feel — it opens like Little Red Riding Hood — focuses more on societal repression of women rather than on merely sexual repression.
Visibly directed as is Coppola’s wont it is a sumptuously beautiful film — cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd has a field day — with some wonderful performances but it will leave some viewers a bit cold.
Injured Yankee deserter Corporal John McBurney (Colin Farrell) is taken to a girls’ school where only seven females remain. Ranging in age from child to matron they have been attempting to maintain normality in their Confederate stronghold but even in war their normality means neat writing, French verbs and the upkeep of a fussily restrictive appearance despite the heat and need to provide their own food. Their impeccably beautiful clothes are gilded cages. Life is limited, limiting and the arrival of an injured saucepot opens up all kinds of possibilities. They’re not waiting for a man but waiting for a change.
Nicole Kidman is really good as headmistress Miss Martha, skilfully steering clear of uptight schoolmarm stereotype and Coppola regular Kirsten Dunst is also great as the dutiful but despairing Edwina. The bold Colin is a natural saucepot obviously and his veer into smarm and his rage when he is thwarted are effective. The pacing is off a bit at the end but this is a film that lingers and that is always good.