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Actors: Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert De Niro, Anne Bancroft
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| Review Summary and Plot Commentary about Great Expectations |
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This is a romantic tale based on the novel by Charles Dickens. The very moment young Finn (Hawke) lays eyes on Estella (Paltrow) she becomes both his inspiration and his obsession. He is warned by her aunt that, "she'll only break your heart." Finn makes it his personal mission to win her love. Many years later, thanks to a mysterious benefactor (De Niro), aspiring painter goes to New York to practice his craft. Here he is reunited with the icy and beautiful Estella and the sparks begin to fly once again.
--Patti Illsley, Resident Scholar
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I cannot, with words alone, do justice to the romance Great Expectations, very loosely based on the book by Charles Dickens. It is set in contemporary New York City and follows Finnegan Bell's(Ethan Hawke) rise to the top of the art world and his desperate attempt to change the love of his life, and his obsession, Estella (Gwyneth Paltrow). Along the way, when Finn is unexpectantly reunited with his past, he discovers the truth after years of deception.
--Lee Edwards, Resident Scholar
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Finn helps save a convict, Lustig escape death row. As a child Finn (Ethan Hawke) meets the eccentric Miss Dinsmoor and her nephew Estella in the mansion 'Paradiso Pedruto'and immediately falls in love with Estella, who does not return his love. After acuiring his 'big break' as an artist in New York, he tries again to win Estella, only to be rejected again after a brief sexual encounter. Finally Lustig comes to New York to proclaim he is Finn's secret benefactor, but is murdered by a rival gang. Finn returns to his home by Florida coast to find Estella divorced and a 'changed' woman.
--Liberty Kinson, Resident Scholar
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Print to screen remake of Charles Dickens's timeless classic set in a contemporary setting in New York. With similiar problem faced but different events. Great attempt.
--Jenny, Resident Scholar
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| Analysis of Great Expectations |
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Time/era of movie:
- 1980's-1999
Romance/Love/Hugging
Yes
Kind of romance:
- romance (general)
- love triangle/polygon
- rekindling lost love/marriage
Kids growing up/acting up?
Yes
Kids:
- general coming of age story
Lover is...
- of a different social class
- totally uninterested
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- artist
Age:
- 20's-30's
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events?
Yes
Hair color?
- brunette (Brown)
Hair type
- (man) short/standard straight
Body type
- (man) average
Events of movie makes character more...
- sensitive
- caring
- tougher
Ethnicity/Nationality
- White (American)
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor?
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- average physique
Secondary Main Character
Identity:
- Female
Hair color
- blonde
Hair style
- (woman) medium/shoulderlgn straight
Body type
- (woman) very skinny
Unclothed?
- buttocks and chest
How much in movie?
- 20%
Ethnicity/Nationality
- White (American)
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Female
Age:
- 60's-90's
Eccentric:
Yes
- eccentric
- emotionally unstable
- obsessed
- deluded
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- 20%
Body type
- (woman) skinny
Ethnicity/Nationality
- White (American)
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Physique
- healthy but a geeky weakling
Setting
United States
Yes
The US:
- Northeast
City?
Yes
City:
- New York
- wealthy
Small town?
Yes
Small town people:
- nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee
Misc setting
- fancy mansion
Style
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
Movie makes you feel...
- thoughtful
Sex/nudity in movie?
Yes
What kind of sex:
- kissing
- touching of personal anatomy
- seeing breasts
- sex under blankets
Any profanity?
- Occasional swearing
Is this movie based on a
- book
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Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s). | |
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