reel critics

Van Novack

“Gosford Park” is a masterfully directed whodunit set in the English

countryside. Taking place between the World Wars, the film is

painstakingly detailed and utilizes a “who’s who” of British actors.

The advertisements and trailers for “Gosford Park” might lead one to

dismiss this movie as an Agatha Christie retread. True, “Gosford Park”

does take place at an English country estate full of weekend guests, and

a murder does occur. However, this preconception does not prepare the

viewer for the richly drawn characters, and thought-provoking plot

complete with its depiction of class conflict and complex social

stratification.

The characters come together as the result of a shooting party

arranged by Sir William McCordle (Michael Gambon) and Lady Sylvia

McCordle (Kristen Scott Thomas). The guests include Sir William’s sister

Constance (Maggie Smith), Lady Sylvia’s sister Louisa (Geraldine

Somerville), and her husband (whom she married for money) Commander

Anthony (Tom Hollander). Adding a bit of unexpected spice to the

gathering is Hollywood movie star Ivor Novello (Jeremy Northham) and gay

movie producer Morris Weissman (Bob Balaban).

The upstairs guests are pampered and coddled to an unbelievable degree

by the large servant staff. Each well-heeled guest has brought their

personal servants along and they are immediately under the ironfisted

rule of Mrs. Wilson (Helen Mirren), the McCordles’ housekeeper.

Downstairs the social order rules and each servant is addressed by the

last name of his or her employer. They are even seated according to the

relative status of their masters at the servants’ dining table.

“Gosford Park” is rife with wonderful performances. Especially good

are Helen Mirren as the rigid Mrs. Wilson, Maggie Smith as the snobby yet

funny Constance, and Emily Watson as Elsie, the loyal head housemaid.

Working from a story by Julian Fellowes, director Robert Altman moves

a complex plot along nicely while still allowing the large cast to

develop the characters to a degree not seen in most films.

Altman deservedly received the Best Director Golden Globe award for

his work on “Gosford Park.” Hopefully, this recognition will encourage

more people to see this wonderful film.

* VAN NOVACK, 48, is the director of institutional research at Cal

State Long Beach.