Hmmm …
You know, I’ve seen a good few films in my time, I really have.
But I’m ALSO thinking that the flick I’ve seen tonight … ?
Is …
Not necessarily bad.
But not necessarily one that I’ll be getting dribbingly excited about.
Hmmm …
Let’s see if we can’t explain, shall we … ?
☴☲☱☲☴
1990’s The Handmaid’s Tale is set in a not too distantly future USA: where serious environmental damage — and ongoing pollution — rendered many women sterile.
Focusing on Kate — the Handmaid of the tale, and played by Natasha Richardson — assigned to The Commander (Robert Duvall) and his wife, Serena Joy (Faye Dunaway), as a sexual slave.
And follows her story as she gradually becomes involved with both an underground rebel group, with the cult like organization of the Handmaid group that trained her …
And with the family’s chauffeur, Nick.
☴☲☱☲☴
Hmmm …
Now, I’ve GOT to admit, I would love to tell you this was a film that was a pleasure to watch.
Unfortunately, I don’t think I can.
You see, having checked out the Wikipedia entry for the film, I find that The Handmaid’s Tale had something of a mixed production: with both the original director dropping the project, after many arguments with the studio. The original screen writer — Harold Pinter, of all people — withdrawing after completing a draft and a half — I’m guessing, there — and the replacement writer — Margaret Atwood, writer of the novel that the film is based on — being called in as a replacement.
It shows.
The whole effect is that The Handmaid’s Tale is something of an well meaning, but irreparable mess.
Which is a shame, I think.
The Handmaid’s Tale, for all it’s fine cast, and interesting ideas … ?
Could WELL have been a lot better than it actually is.
The Handmaid’s Tale
☆☆☆☆
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