We watched the film, Evening, last night and about it I just have this to say… if you like excellent acting, watch this movie. It is a veritable powerhouse of women’s acting. Yes, there are some great performances by men in this movie, but women dominate the story and the screen.
Vanessa Redgrave is, as usual, stunning as Ann, a woman who examines moments in her life as she lay dying. Sounds morbid… it’s anything but. I’m always impressed with Vanessa Redgrave’s ability to act without speaking. Her eyes are, simply, luminous. She can do an entire scene, saying nothing, and communicating everything. It’s an art form and she’s a master.
Also in the movie are Claire Danes as the younger Ann, Glenn Close, Meryl Streep, Mamie Gummer (Meryl Streep’s daughter who plays the younger Meryl character in the film), Natasha Richardson (Vanessa Redgrave’s daughter who actually plays her daughter in the film), Toni Collette, and Eileen Atkins (the night nurse). It’s a stunning cast.
This isn’t a film for people who love action or suspense, but if you love great acting, excellent writing (the same screenwriter as The Hours), wonderful direction (Lajos Koltai) and gorgeous cinematography, check out Evening. This film takes you on a journey. A journey you will not be disappointed in.
