A. O. Scott reviews James Ivory and Ismail Merchant's adaptation of E.M. Forster's novel starring Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins. Related Article: nyti.ms/9ZiTAp
One of the best English film of the 1990's. Really enjoyed Hopkins performance and the locations were spectacular. Had the the privilege of watching Merchant Ivory film at Dorchester on Thames, Oxford when I was working there in 1991. The scene was with Prunella Scales and James Wilby in the car from the train station and included a shot down the High Street of the village. The cast used the George Hotel to rest between takes and were a delight to meet. Howard's End house is situated near Henley on Thames, would love to visit one day!
You are so correct and Redgrave should have won that year as well. If it was not for her politics, she would have two Oscars. Love Streep but she's no Vanessa and even SHE agrees, and for those who do not believe it, look up her tribute to Redgrave right here. Most of her peers feel she's one of the best EVER and they are correct.
The performance by Hopkins still lingers in my mind years after the first viewing. I watch the whole film mainly to experience his portrayal of Mr Wilcox again. But so many great performances, Emma Thompson being an obvious example. Wonderful film
As much as I appreciate that this magnificent movie was remembered by Scott, it's a downright crime that there was no mention of the glorious Ms. Redgrave who, in my opinion, gives an all-time best supporting actress performance here.
My favourite Forster novel made into such a wonderful, grand film. Yes, Vanessa Redgrave should have been mentioned, a standout. Films made today are just nowhere near as good, not even the art house ones.
This is why I hate (HAAAAATE!!! 😠) it when I see the different versions in the wrong order. The Ivory interpretation seems more accurate to me, for some reason much more appealing. And the characters of Henry Wilcox and Leonard Bast are more... ehhrrmm.. well rendered. But... I came to enjoy Howards end in the latter version. And... totally swept away mesmerized, enchanted by.... (sigh... oh cruel fate 🤪) Helen Schlegel. Or rather the interpretation of said character by Philippa Coulthard. She is so endearing and enticing at the same time! And way more prettier then Bonham Carter. So... now I'm stuck to the wrong version of this beautiful story. (Oh treacherous heart of mine 😜). And three hurrays for Pip! Pip pip pip... HURRAY!!! 😄