Set in the thirties, a filthy rich and unpleasant businessman, Michael Gambon, invites families and friends to a weekend shooting party where secrets emerge, both above and below stairs, including ultimately a murder.
An Agatha Christie whodunnit this ain't, indeed the film is ever so slightly marred by pantomime detective Stephen Fry. What captivates is the vast ensemble cast of largely British acting royalty playing things the Altman way, where little time is spent on long scenes of one of two actors, but instead secrets and insecurities slowly bubble to the surface from everywhere. Mirren, Smith and Atkins stand out, but only just as each small part is perfectly acted out by actors who would typically take a lead. Fascinating look at the English aristocracy with a brilliant screenplay by Julian Fellowes - you can clearly see where Downton Abbey came from.
An Agatha Christie whodunnit this ain't, indeed the film is ever so slightly marred by pantomime detective Stephen Fry. What captivates is the vast ensemble cast of largely British acting royalty playing things the Altman way, where little time is spent on long scenes of one of two actors, but instead secrets and insecurities slowly bubble to the surface from everywhere. Mirren, Smith and Atkins stand out, but only just as each small part is perfectly acted out by actors who would typically take a lead. Fascinating look at the English aristocracy with a brilliant screenplay by Julian Fellowes - you can clearly see where Downton Abbey came from.