The Golden Bowl

Audience Reviews

View More

Jon E. @jes30 Mar 20 Underappreciated. Suffering a bit as a product of its time — the early 2000s — but nonetheless manages a certain inscrutable charm and eccentricity in its execution. I mean come on, do we really think one of Henry James’ most complex masterpieces as recreated by James Ivory isn’t going to have something good in it to offer? NYT also gave it a positive review upon release. See more Steve D @RT35616104 02/06/2023 Good cast, lame melodrama. Terrible resolution. See more 02/23/2019 A lavish interpretation of the novel by Henry James. Admittedly I have not read the source material to which I assume the film has been allegiant in it's rendition. Elaborate Edwardian costumes and sets make this movie an exquisite visual spectacle. The narrative is built around an intricate web of desire and circumstances. Action oriented viewers may be disappointed as the majority of the movie's excitement comes from actor subtleties like a furtive glance or an averted gaze which contrast wonderfully with the expressive renaissance art pieces featured and the more overt symbolism of the hidden crack in the golden bowl. What some might perceive as starchy acting by the cast is perhaps intended to reflect the mannerisms and customs of the early 1900's, building an almost stifling tension between the actors as they become more and more deeply entangled in the love and lies between them. The adulterous nature of the story builds intrigue throughout the plot but its resolution feels anti-climactic and disappointing. While Merchant Ivory Productions presents a gilded visual spectacle I can't help but remark at the irony of the hidden flaw in its glittering presentation of the actors which makes it difficult to empathize with any of the characters whatsoever. See more 02/19/2013 Yes I am a Merchant-Ivory type. I loved this movies as well! See more 02/19/2013 What a bore! Despite the amazing cast...only Uma Thurman salvages anything positive out of it, and it's not much. See more 12/03/2012 Another Merchant / Ivory Classic with the Midas touch. See more Read all reviews