Gosford Park (2001)

Purely Joyful Movie!

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Best movie of this year hands down!

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

I don't understand why this film has such high ratings. It's ok but considering the ensemble cast it left a lot to be desired as far as the actual plot goes. I found it long winded and it had lots of unnecessary scenes and dialogue between characters that led to nothing and added nothing to the film plot. I was expecting a big reveal at the end but it was more a splutter. All in all if I had to describe this film in one word... disappointing!

Altman is at his best in this suberb mix of comedy, drama and mystery.Maggie Smith steals the film, but not effortlessly. There are terriffic performances from Helen Mirren, and Eileen Atkins in particular, but the cast all give fine performances

Robert Altman's "Gosford Park" is among the highlights of his career. While it isn't close to being my personal favorite of his films, it's still an easy choice for one of the best films of the 21st century. With a great ensemble cast, plenty of overlapping dialogue, and an almost indescribable and documentary like filmmaking style, "Gosford Park" is has Altman's signature style written all over it!It's interesting to note that the actual murder mystery plot doesn't began until over halfway into the film. Before the murder, we've just been spending time with all of the characters. Although the mystery was my favorite part of the film, it isn't the centerpiece that it normally would be. The characters are the centerpiece, and the murder is just something that happens to them.

Gosford Park (2001): Dir: Robert Altman / Cast: Helen Mirren, Emily Watson, Kelly MacDonald, Maggie Smith, Stephen Fry: Gosford Park is seen as a playground for the rich. It is a murder mystery although the focus is on class. Plot centers upon a hunting party that arrives at the estate. They are observed through the eyes of their ever present servants. There is a murder and director Robert Altman makes everyone a suspect because everyone has a motive. This is remarkable craft by Altman who not only masters mystery elements but also an ensemble of characters that often appear together within the same frame. Altman's previous works include such classics as Nashville and M.A.S.H. Helen Mirren plays the strict head servant who keeps everything in order. Emily Watson is also a servant who gets caught up in an affair. Kelly MacDonald is the one servant who guides viewers through these events. She is portrayed as an innocent who tells of nothing outside of fact. Maggie Smith plays an elderly guest who belts out the funniest lines. Stephen Fry brings great comic relief as an inspector in that Sherlock Holmes tradition. Everyone delivers flawless performances as they interact within each scene and plotted social event. The story is set in 1932 and backed with exquisite art direction and a theme of wealth, class and placement render it one of Altman's greatest achievements. Score: 10 / 10