The Scarlet Letter
by Roland Joffé
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DVD details
Actor: Demi Moore, Edward Hardwicke, Gary Oldman, Lisa Andoh, Robert DuvallDirector: Roland Joffé
Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
Producer: Roland Joffé
Producer: Andrew G. Vajna
Producer: Dodi Fayed
Producer: Jonathan Cornick
Producer: Robert F. Colesberry
Writer: Douglas Day Stewart
Writer: Nathaniel Hawthorne
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 135 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2002-06-04
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
DVD Reviews of The Scarlet Letter
DVD Review: "Who is to say what is a sin in god's eyes?"
Summary: 5 Stars
The theme of "The Scarlet Letter" is timeless. We are reminded of the beauty of Nathaniel Hawthorne's vision throughout the 1995 film version, even if it is not an exact adaptation of the text. The film would be more accurately described as a re-imagined form of the novel, committed to screen with just as much passion and originality. The film, like the novel, is a vision all its own, and those faithful to Hawthorne's original work will likely be unhappy with the film for that reason.
However, the most faithful film adaptations of novels are rarely the most entertaining--for then, what would be the point of a film version if nothing new and insightful or creative could be added? A film version of a novel offers very little room for creativity and expression on the part of the writers, because everything is taken from something previously written, so often writers are inclined to leave their own mark on a masterpiece--in this case, "The Scarlet Letter."
What results is a film with the same underlying theme, but with an entirely different execution. "The Scarlet Letter" is an inventive and arresting enough film that it should be judged with some separation from the novel. The film possesses certain qualities that make it nearly a masterpiece, such as John Barry's score, rich with deliriously lush strings and recurring melodies. The cinematography is another asset--grand with vivid colors and picturesque, romantic scenery. Puritan settings are recreated with eye-catching splendor.
It is the romantic nature of the film, as well as the timeless message, that will hold the viewer. A strength of the film is that, although the central love story is heightened, we never lose sense of the story's meaning: "Who is to say what is a sin in god's eyes?" (the last line of the film). This is still a controversial view, and perhaps the book did not make that outright claim (for the novel is open for interpretation). The film, however, does make that interpretation, and it is a powerful one that may explain some of the controversy surrounding the film. In this day, with such political topics as gay marriage on the table, this subject is more relevant than ever (and very controversial).
Demi Moore is the star of "The Scarlet Letter," and Hester Prynne was unquestionably the most daring role of her career. I feel many have been unfair with their appraisals of her performance. Moore is a very good, but perhaps not great actress. She was wise to approach Hester Prynne with restraint, but her performance is not without nuance. It is a sensitive, unforgettable performance and Moore's finest achievement.
The film does have its flaws, undoubtedly. The character of Matuba is under-developed. Some of the sex scenes are over-the-top, such as the use of candles as phallic symbols. Robert Duvall is slightly hammy as the insane doctor, held captive and released by Indians. There are some unnecessary scenes and some unnecessary dialogue, which suggests what the film needed most was a good editor (and perhaps that would have made all the difference, as the film runs well over two hours).
The flaws of "The Scarlet Letter" can easily be over-looked, if one is open-minded to a new vision of Hawthorne's work and the still-controversial theme (and interpretation the film takes). Religious views sometimes imprison us from being with the people we truly love--in Hester's case, she was unable to be with the man she loved (and the father of her child) because of a sin known as adultery and the punishment (death, banishment, the scarlet letter "A" for adultery Hester had to wear on her dress as a symbol of sin) Puritans provided. But is that really right--to punish for god? That is what the novel and film ask us, only the film leads us to an answer (and a happy ending).
The film is controversial because it answers the question. If you love someone, the film tells us, it is okay to be with them even if in religious opinion it is considered a sin. It was a bold statement, and in my opinion a true and beautiful one.
Let us remember what Oscar Wilde once said about works of art (which this film surely is) that spark debate: "Diversity of opinion about a work of art shows that the work is new, complex, and vital." If one applies that to the novel, written over a hundred years ago, then we know that the theme is still timeless. And if applied to the film--we know it was completely new. Something to be said for a film that takes a 150 year-old theme and makes it new again.
Description of The Scarlet Letter
In a time when adultery is punishable by death two lovers risk their lives to be together. Roland joffe breathes new life into nathaniel hawthornes tale of forbidden love. Hester prynne is a free-thinking woman while reverend dimmesdale smolders with passion between his love for hester and his love for god. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 08/03/2004 Starring: Demi Moore Gary Oldman Run time: 135 minutes Rating: R Director: Roland JoffeIn yet another example of Demi Moore's astonishing narcissism, this appalling adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's Great American Novel becomes a teary, talk-show-worthy story of a woman rediscovering the erotic, of interrupted love, of a brave-but-beleaguered heroine's personal struggle against male stupidity. Never mind that this has little to do with Hawthorne's magnificent, protofeminist book, which is a million times more relevant today than this film could ever be. Director Roland Joffé (The Killing Fields) deserves to be horsewhipped for colluding with Moore's self-fascination, while Gary Oldman should be kicked in the pants for allowing the novel's main character to come off as an inconsequential ninny. Making matters worse, Robert Duvall can be seen ridiculously dancing with a deerskin on his head. If this film were a joke, it would be a very bad joke. But it's not, and that's worse. --Tom Keogh
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