Delightful Film!

A few weeks ago I noticed that the cable network Bravo was showing Howard's End late at night. Coincidentally, this movie was next on my "must-see" list (yes, it's a 1992 film, and yes, I am that far behind). I popped a blank tape in the VCR and taped it; although it has taken up three of my son's nap times this week, this movie was totally worth all my free time!

Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, the film revolves around three families of different social classes at the beginning of the twentieth century. Emma Thompson, who won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her work, plays Margaret Schlegel, an upper middle class woman who befriends the wealthy Mrs. Wilcox, played by Vanessa Redgrave. After the death of Mrs. Wilcox, a convoluted set of events takes place in which Margaret marries Henry Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins), Mrs. Wilcox's widower and Margaret's sister, Helen (Helena Bonham Carter) tries to help a poor man and his wife. The conflict between the emerging social classes is fascinating, and the question of social mores and the differing expectations of men and women's behavior is also examined. The central question of whether or not Margaret will be given Howard's End, the first Mrs. Wilcox's family home, holds the subplots together.

I hope I haven't made the plot sound confusing; it isn't. The story moves along swiftly, twisting and turning, but never leaving the viewer behind.

As I mentioned, Emma Thompson won an Academy Award for her role as the straightforward Margaret Schlegel. The Academy also nominated Vanessa Redgrave for her work as the somewhat enigmatic Mrs. Wilcox. While the Academy did not nominate other actors from the film, there isn't a weak link in the cast; Anthony Hopkins in particular is amazing (as usual).

The Academy agreed with my assessment of the movie, bestowing many nominations upon Howard's End, as well as several Awards. While it lost the Best Picture award to Unforgiven, James Ivory won for Best Director; Ruth Prawer Jhabvala won for Best Screenplay Based Upon Material from Another Medium; the Award for Best Art Direction - Set Decoration also went to Howard's End. In addition, it was nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Music - Original Score.

Did it deserve all the nominations and awards? Absolutely! It is a joy just to look at this movie; the costumes and set are amazing, and I have to admit that I did enjoy the musical score (normally I don't even notice). The story is what kept me watching, however.

The only negative thing that I can say about this movie is that it did leave one character's fate hanging; the unfortunate Mrs. Jacky Bast (played by Nicola Duffet).

This is a wonderful film that lovers of period drama will no doubt want to watch many times over. I would also recommend it to the person looking for a great movie in general. You do need to devote your attention to it, but it is well worth viewing.

People who enjoy Howard's End would also enjoy Sense and Sensibility, another period drama based on a novel, which also features Emma Thompson.