Merolliv
I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.
Kaydan Christian
A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
kbarnhart-48446
In what has to be one of the more stranger/esoteric cast-ensembles, this film never really finds itself. Is it a dark dromedy', a spoof on the art world, is the film deliberately pretentious and self aware to mirror the self-importance of the modern art world, or just poking fun at the clueless rich? I can't figure it out, thats the directors fault. Gillian Anderson, one of Hollyweird's hottest lesbians, who only seems to only get prettier as she ages, as the lead, sucks the life out of every scene, poor lassie can't act. She needs to stick to pensive brooding and muted soft-spoken pouting, with the posed slow-motion blinking. Otherwise the cast is very talented, all with discrete character development: none of them very redeeming or likable. Most unusual, is the setting which takes place in London, yet feels like its in lower Manhattan, half of the cast is American; I thought Madonna was the only wealthy American to transplant despite the indigenous draconian tax-rate. Most everyone is a self-assumed art critic or "genius" and nearly all of them are perverted in one way or another. Again, see it for the babes, especially the Amanda Seyfried up-skirt scenes.
SnoopyStyle
Dealer Art Spindle (Danny Huston) is trying to talk the Rhinegolds (Christopher Lee, Joanna Lumley) into selling an art piece. Beth Freemantle (Heather Graham) is his assistant. Robert Freign (Simon McBurney) is the couple's butler. Couple Bob (Stellan Skarsgård) and Jean Maclestone (Gillian Anderson) are Art's competitors. Bob is sleeping with Beth. Jean wants artist Jo Richards (Jack Huston) who wants Art's new assistant Paige Oppenheimer (Amanda Seyfried). Elaine (Jaime Winstone) and Joany (Meredith Ostrom) are a lesbian couple and Dewey Dalamanatousis (Alan Cumming) is their manager.The world of London high art is probably great for satire. It's a lot of characters doing selfish things for themselves. None of them are that compelling. It's hard to root for anybody. I don't care about any of them. Also it's not funny. That would have really helped. Danny Huston is probably the most compelling character for me.
suite92
There are several threads running through this film, rather like the more complicated Robert Altman films.Art Spindle is the dealer who attempts to swindle every one he knows. He also likes to run his hands over younger people (man or woman) in the art world.Jean and Bob Maclestone are in their prime, in some senses, but their marriage is falling apart. Bob is having an affair with Beth (Art's assistant), while Jean is dallying with the artist Jo Richards. Plus they disagree on just about every art decision. Jean drops her high heel while hiding with Jo in a men's rest room stall. Bob notices its exact shape and size, then kicks it back to her. Later she asks for a divorce, and is shocked when he agrees immediately.The older couple, Alfred and Alfreda Rhinegold, own the art work 'Boogie Woogie' which so many people want in the film. Alfred has had it for 50 years; Alfreda recognises that they are broke and need the money.Art fires Beth for moving toward starting her own business. Then Art gives Beth a party that Jean thinks is 'so moving.'Jean leaves Bob and goes to Art's place, inadvertently interrupting a liaison. Speaking of breakups, Elaine decides to break her business relationship with Dewey. As her erstwhile agent, Dewey gave her a place to live and supported her art career. Beth offers Elaine a better deal, so Elaine decides to go with Beth who wants an exclusive (business) relationship. Paige visits Jo's studio, which we see doubles as his seduction pad, particularly his 'peripheral vision' project. Paige objects, "Aren't you with Beth?"Art Spindler deals with Freign, who has Alfreda's ear, in an attempt to finesse Alfred's desire to keep the piece by Mondrian. Bob and his lawyer deal with splitting resources deal with splitting resources, while Jean and her lawyer Emille do roughly the same. That goes on for a bit too long, but seems reasonable given how much property the couple has. Well, had...the lawyers will soak up some of it. Emille gives Jean good advice, which is about the best relationship in the film. Bob attempts an end run around the process with the lawyers.Will the Mondrian get sold? Will the divorce get settled in a half way reasonable fashion? Who will get clobbered in this demolition derby?-----Scores------Cinematography: 7/10 Often outstanding, but also sometimes wretched, mostly during the hand-held phases.Sound: 10/10 Just fine.Acting: 7/10 Stellen Skarsgard, Gillian Anderson, Christopher Lee, Danny Huston, Charlotte Rampling, and Joanna Lumley were marvelous. Unfortunately, Jamie Winstone, Simon McBruney, Gemma Atkinson, Amanda Seifried, and Jack Huston were in the cast. I usually enjoy Alan Cumming's work, but not this time, not by a long shot.Screenplay: 6/10 The story was slow getting off the ground, and continued that way for too long. It picks up some speed after context is well set. I liked the ending, since it showed some story threads leading to crashes and others going on to more success.
graham-ashby
I couldn't finish this. I was expecting a comedy, but not a single titter. The plot seems to involve getting a Mondrian from an older couple who need the money, but that seems to be it, apart from some rambling character development. But there's not much development, and not much of a plot.But there is Sex. Lots of it. Crotch shots; innuendo; sex toys, lesbian action. However, given the calibre of actors involved, not quite what I had in mind.So, a waste of time really. Wasted acting, and definitely no laughs.
