FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: Stage Beauty [DVD] [2004]

Stage Beauty [DVD] [2004]
enlarge	Director: Richard Eyre Actors: Claire Danes, Billy Crudup, Ben Chaplin, Zoe Tapper, Tom Wilkinson Studio: Momentum Pictures Category: DVD List Price: ~~£17.99~~ Buy New: £3.48 as of 22/11/2009 13:49 GMT details You Save: £14.51 (81%) New (6) Used (9) from £1.59 Seller: offshoredirect Rating: 14 reviews Sales Rank: 5592 Format: PAL Language: English (Original Language) Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over Region: 2 Number Of Discs: 1 Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 EAN: 5013702249221 ASIN: B0006FGHUQ Theatrical Release Date: 2004 Release Date: December 27, 2004 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


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Editorial Reviews: Amazon.co.uk Review Edward "Ned" Knyaston (Billy Crudup) is a beautiful man, and as an actor in 17th-century London that means he's quite popular portraying women, since females are forbidden to tread the boards. His mischievous air of entitlement, unfortunately, soon sets in motion a chain of events that will see King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifting the ban on actresses, allowing Ned's devoted dresser, Maria (Claire Danes), to become the city's reigning theatrical diva. PDirector Richard Eyre (IIris/I) is still best known for his stage work, and it shows: IStage Beauty/I is rich in character and attention to detail, yet it doesn't have a popcorn-and-soda pop ease. Jeffrey Hatcher's well-observed script, based on his own play, romps a little self-consciously in Eyre's hands--you can tell it would like to be IShakespeare in Love/I if it could only relax. The gorgeous Crudup and dewy Danes don't quite click here, but the supporting cast is having a good time going way over-the-top, so if you're hungry for an elaborate historical confection there's enough here to satisfy your taste buds. I--Steve Wiecking/I

Customer Reviews: Showing reviews 1-5 of 14 1 2 3 Next » A beauty December 23, 2004 Foroyar (UK) 9 out of 10 found this review helpful Without knowing why, I was intrigued by this film from seeing it advertised. I consider myself thoroughly intrigued now I've seen it! "Stage Beauty" possess a magestic grace and effortless wit that even "Shakespeare In Love" did not possess. A riot of colours, rich fabric and make-up and a splatter of absorbing characters (not to mention the intelligent acting behind it) makes Stage Beauty one of the best films I have had the pleasure to see this year. The sets are glorious, the costumes quite exquisiste and there is a fresh humour in the script I haven't seen the like of since Moulin Rouge. brthe two leading actors. (Clare Danes and Billy Crudup) give a superb performance, particularly as Crudup would have been greatly challenged to find the awkward character of Ned in himself. Danes, of course, is quite on form and is truly excellent as Ned's dedicated dress mistress. A fresh, honest film about love, truth and the true meaning of beauty. Buy it. One of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen April 25, 2005 David Henry (Paris, France) 19 out of 23 found this review helpful As a non-English native speaker, it is difficult for me to express my enthusiasm for this magnificent movie - especially since it deals with one of the richest, unique elements of English culture - the world of Shakespeare.pBut I'll try, because the movie is just extraordinary. pStage Beauty is conceived much like a play by Shakespeare, with its layers of complexity behind the apparent simplicity of its powerful story, its well-crafted characters, and its underlying themes (interactions between genders, definition and pursuit of Excellence, disorder versus order). In fact, it is highly reminiscent of Othello in its central themes - and, not surprisingly, Othello the play is at the heart of the movie. pThe performance of the actors is simply stunning - they effortlessly take viewers from one emotion to the next; and watching them portray players who in turn play roles (of their own gender or not) is an absolute delight. pHowever, acting skills are enablers - what really allows the cast to deliver such a compelling performance is the movie's overall structure, and the consistent way in which it deals with its core themes. In fact, the movie progresses in such an irresistible way that it culminates with a man and a woman simply greeting each other before a rehearsal - the masculine Excellence and the feminine Excellence, finally defined, and facing each other at last - after a period of disorder and conflicts.pAn absolute jewel. truly beautfiul December 19, 2004 3 out of 3 found this review helpful As the title suggests, this film was for me, very beautiful..and Billy Crudup was absolutely amazing, his identity confusion portrayal...superb! I disagree that it wanted to be Shakespeare in Love - they're very different films, and this one has so many more layers if you're willing to see them. Stage Beauty 2004 December 19, 2004 J. Christian (London, United Kingdom) 3 out of 3 found this review helpful A rollercoaster of a film. It has it's quieter, comtemplative moments but then it it burns with heat and passion. Follow it carefully, a story of consequence. Clare Danes shines as Mrs Hughes. The climax is exhilarating.brRupert Everett plays Charles II as a fop but as a very minor character you let it go.brHow historically accurate it is I don't know but it raises some very interesting points about exclusively male actors being usurped by female actresses during the reign of Charles II.brEnjoy! It's a great tale. Fascinating! December 20, 2004 L. K. Elmer 3 out of 3 found this review helpful I sat down to watch this thinking I would have an hour or so's worth of 'sugar' history, pretty but not that fulfilling. I'm pleased to say I was so wrong! This film is intelligent, entertaining and literally had me spellbound. The plot kept me riveted as it explored the ins and outs of English theatre and court intrigue and the performances are great. Clare Danes gives a great diva, but it is Billy Crudup who commands the film with an astonishing portrayal of a role often misunderstood by history, the male 'female' actor. I can't reccommend this film highly enough, if you like theatre, great plots, sumptious costumes, fantastic acting or simply a stunner of a leading man, give it a whirl. You won't regret it! Showing reviews 1-5 of 14 1 2 3 Next »

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