The Bostonians
Director- James Ivory
Cast- Vanessa Redgrave, Christopher Reeve, Madeleine Potter
Country of Origin- U.S./U.K.
Distributor - Cohen
Number of discs – 1
Reviewed by - Tyler Miller
Date- 07/10/2019
Based on the Henry James novel of the same name, THE BOSTONIANS (1984), tells the story of the beginnings of the women’s suffrage movement after the Civil War and the conflicts that started to show in society. The key to the movement comes in the form of a talented speech giver named Tarrant (Madeleine Potter) who soon finds herself chased after by a rich woman Olive (Vanessa Redgrave) and her southern lawyer cousin (Christopher Reeve). As Tarrant and Olive’s bond grows stronger, the cousin can’t help but try to prove how silly women independence is.
THE BOSTONIANS is another prestigious production from the producing and directing team of Merchant Ivory. But the story and performances are lacking with the energy that made HOWARD’S END such a favorite. But even still, a lesser Merchant Ivory movie is going to have some worthwhile elements.
The cast is spot on with only Madeleine Potter coming off as unbelievable. Her character seems too weak minded to work as a love interest. Another huge misstep is her delivery of speeches, which in theory are making the suffrage movement gain popularity. But the few speeches we do see in the film are uncovering and dry. Almost painfully dull and preachy.
Redgrave and Reeves are the true stars of the show, with Redgrave shining in every scene she is given. While being quiet and hiding behind cowardice, Redgrave gives Olive a subtle maddening rage. At times seeming toxic with her blinding love for Tarrant, but showing her hidden strength. Reeves plays a very unlikeable character who feels complete. He never seems outline with his resistance to the movement. He never comes off a spoil man but instead as a man who is avoiding his own shortcomings. Rounding out the cast is some great supporting performances by Wallace Shawn, Linda Hunt, and Nancy Marchand.
The pacing of the movie is lacking with a second act that drags on too long. The period attention to detail pays off with a lovely look at the world. James Ivory showcases some interesting directing choices such as the opening piano scene, and the use of Independence day firework show. While the movie is lacking sexual heat, there is one stand out scene between Redgrave and Potter where one gentle kiss saves the movie from crashing into cheap melodrama.
The good folks at Cohen Media Group have given THE BOSTONIANS a glorious blu-ray release as part of their Merchant Ivory collection. The 5.1 Dolby Digital English track is the way to go with it’s crisp sound and lovely soundtrack. The 2.0 Stereo English mix is a little softer but till a decent sound mix. English subtitles are included.
The disc comes with some nice extras including an interview with James Ivory at the Quad Cinema, A second Interview with Ivory and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and a trailer gallery.
