The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone
by Robert Allan Ackerman
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DVD details
Actor: Anne Bancroft, Brian Dennehy, Helen Mirren, Olivier Martinez, Rodrigo SantoroDirector: Robert Allan Ackerman
Brand: Paramount
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 114 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-03-23
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Showtime Ent.
DVD Reviews of The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone
DVD Review: The Boring Spring of Mrs. Stone
Summary: 2 Stars
As a fan of the original, l961 version that starred the great Vivien Leigh, I was curious to see how this remake turned out. Alas, except for the swell wardrobe of Helen Mirren, I found this version slow, badly acted and miscast. Mirren is supposed to be a great lady of the stage, yet her interpretation of Karen Stone suggests a flat, retiring socialite from Boise, Idaho.
In no way does she sparkle or exude any of the flair that a Broadway star would suggest. She is so quiet and shy that it's a wonder she connects with the messy procurer, Anne Bancroft, who introduces Paolo, played by one-note Olivier Martinez. It's hard to see what Karen Stone sees in a gigolo so stern, dignified and cold as this rent boy. Of much more sexual allure is the strange, street character played with fascinating sexuality by Rodrigo Santoro. He never speaks a word but his strange and intense attraction to Karen Stone is about the only colorful character in this flat, boring remake.
One hoped that this version would bring a more up-to-date edge to the story of a lonely woman connecting with a mercernary male prostitute. There ARE several scenes of sexual congress which are more embarassing than interesting. We glimpse Mirren' naked bosom for a second--yet, there's never a glimpse of her male partner au natural. When he gets out of bed, he makes sure to wrap a sheet around him so that you never even glimpse his navel. When he has sex with her, he keeps his pants zipped and buttoned--suggesting that perhaps Italian male prostitutes have discovered a revolutionary method of making love to a partner.
One hopes that someday, there will be an edgy, erotic rendition of this Tennessee Williams story. As it is, Vivien Leigh fans have nothing to worry about.
DVD Review: BELLISSIMA
Summary: 5 Stars
Beautifully designed, photographed, directed and acted this is a mature and disturbing adaptation of Tennessee Williams' novella about the terror of losing one's youth and beauty. A ruthless look at the shattering effect of grief, it has the power to haunt. Should not be missed by anyone looking for adult and intelligent drama. The screenplay by Martin Sherman is first rate. He adds a unique perspective to Williams' work by emphasizing the Italian aristocrats' attitude toward America after the war. The addition of the Christopher character, obviously modeled on Tennessee Williams, is an inspired invention. It allows the otherwise isolated Mrs. Stone to have a sympathetic confidente who provides comfort and an unheeded warning of doom. Far more intelligent, erotic, and faithful to its source than the original which was not shot in Rome. The only glimpses of Rome in that earlier film are some second unit shots of a woman, obviously not Vivien Leigh, walking aimlessly through the city. This later version has stunning scenes filmed in many beautiful Roman locations. A movie to cherish. DVD Review: Fearless Helen Mirren
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an interesting film based on a play by Tennessee Williams. I have not read the play, seen it performed, or seen the original film version starring Vivian Leigh. Having said all that, I can't imagine how anyone else would play this part. Helen Mirren is marvelous as the aging American actress having an affair with the young Italian con man. The scene where the two are sunbathing nude is a brave move on Ms. Mirren's part. Can you think of another leading actress, while nude, would hold her hand up to the sleeping form of her character's lover and contrast how her skin has aged compared to his?DVD Review: DVD the roman sring of mrs stone
Summary: 5 Stars
This film Of Tennesse Williams novel, starring Helen Mirren, is wonderful.
The acting is superb especially helen Mirren as Mrs Stone . It captures the pathos of the book so well .
It is rivetting to watch and leaves one thinking about it well after.
It really is a study in the architype of the once famous and beautiful woman who is fading due to age and other factors and the foolish things she does to hold on to youth . All present day celebreties should see it and ponder their fate.
DVD Review: THE MAGNIFICENT MIRREN !
Summary: 5 Stars
The superior adaptation. A very rare, BETTER than the original, remake. All concerned shine. Mirren is extrordinary. The Williams novella is actually improved upon, yet it retains his wonderful "language". Why is this excellent film almost forgotten? Did it win any awards? It certainly should have if it did not - especially the magnificent Mirren.
Slight "extras", but worthwhile (i.e a brief Mirren talk about her roll).
It's "full screen", but don't let that deter you - it's not a "widescreen" kind of film. It's an intimate tale of ruin and rot.
And if you love Vivien Leigh (as I do), her 1961 performance should not be missed (although Warren Beatty is excruciattingly terrible, which all but ruins a worthy effort for its time).
If only one is in your budget range, this the one to get (but Leigh's version is of value too - FOR HER).
Description of The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone
A beautiful cinematic adaptation of Tennessee Williams' first novel, The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, tells the emotional story of Karen Stone (Mirren), an aging American actress who falls for a young Italian gigolo of captivating beauty (Martinez) after the untimely death of her husband, Tom (Dennehy). In typical Tennessee Williams fashion, Mrs. Stone finds romance, but ultimately loses control and steps into a dangerous world of chaos.General DVDs
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