Directed by:
Stephen FrearsScreenplay:
Christopher HamptonCinematography:
Philippe RousselotComposer:
George FentonCast:
Julia Roberts, John Malkovich, George Cole, Ciarán Hinds, Michael Gambon, Linda Bassett, Glenn Close, Michael Sheen, Bronagh Gallagher, Emma Griffiths Malin (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
The story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is given a new twist when seen through the innocent eyes of Dr. Jekyll's housemaid, Mary Reilly. Mary (Julia Roberts) is sensitive to the needs and weaknesses of her master, Dr. Henry Jekyll (John Malkovich) and is prepared to do almost anything for him. Her trust is a blessing as the doctor embarks on a new, dangerous experiment - one that will bring about a meeting between Mary and Dr. Jekyll's sinister assistant Mr. Hyde. Although Mary remains devoted to her brilliant but rather reserved employer, she finds herself attracted to the charms of the mysterious Mr Hyde. Together Mary and Mr. Hyde share a terrible secret that will cast both fear and danger on the Jekyll household Mary Reilly must confront her own personal demons and dangerous desires if she is to survive and vanquish one of humanity's greatest evil. (Fabulous Films)
(more)Reviews (2)
The reveal of the story is known to us all, so the viewer's experience can't be based on it. It can on John Malkovich's demonic performances, however; and his monologue from Mary's dream is a true example of acting mastery. Julia Roberts is beautiful and sad here, and her veiled gaze did not allow me to remain unsympathetic towards her. Besides, Stephen Frears did an excellent job of depicting the heavily depressing and gloomy atmosphere of the house and the city, thus creating an unconventional view of the legendary source material.
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Frears' attempt to crate a horror drama with a well-known story would not be remarkable whatsoever without Julie Roberts and John Malkovich in the lead roles. Both stars give excellent performances. Malkovich managed Dr. Jekyll's split personality without any problems - on the one hand, a reserved and introverted scientist, on the other a pervert and a bestial animal... Julia's Mary is surprisingly not remarkable in appearance, yet quiet and balanced goodness literally emanates from her. The combination of these two (three) people creates a rather watchable drama, in which Frears' contribution is limited to a few successful jump scares and a lot of fog. The atmosphere of the film barely works, which is a big scar on the beauty given the environment and the story. And the unfinished script will also not warm the viewer's soul ...
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