Own the rights?
28 out of 33 people found the following review useful: Sheer magic by Jeremy Northam, Peter O'Toole and Sam Neill, 21 December 2008 Author: RebekkaD from Germany
Peter O'Toole here gives a performance that shows the breadth and depth of his abilities fully and makes an unforgettable impression. It would be strange if O'Toole would not get a number of awards for this. But the lead role in this film belongs to Jeremy Northam, who plays Henslowe Fisk, plagued son of the O'Toole character. Northam carries a lot of this film and with his enormous talent and subtle as well as multi-layered acting deepens every moment of humour as well as emotion. Northam again dazzles with his talent and the truthfulness and intensity of his performance, and in this case shows how magical film can be if some of the best actors play as a real ensemble and support each other's acting. One can only wish for more lead roles for this extraordinary actor. And Sam Neill in his indeed slightly uncommon role as Dean Spanley shows that he can do more than we have ever seen from him. Some of his scenes are extremely difficult to execute in a way that is intense without slipping into silliness, but Neill does it immaculately.The screenplay by Alan Sharp is extremely intelligent and witty, with some of the best funny lines I have ever heard in a film. He has, if I may say so, improved the story by Lord Dunsany very much. The director did very elegant, unobtrusive and subtle, most convincing work in every regard. And the music should also be mentioned, as it perfectly reflected the tone and style of this film. The overall experience of this film is sheer pleasure, of the deep sort with maybe a tear in one's eye, and then a warm glow of delight and remembrance.Actually, this is not a film about dogs, but about human beings. It is not an eccentric movie based on a strange premise, but a truthful one that reflects some of the deepest issues of our lives. It is not only very intelligent and funny and deeply moving, but among films definitely a work of art.
21 out of 26 people found the following review useful: Warm and comforting behind the rather harsh shell that surrounds it., 17 December 2008 Author: Jamie Ward from United Kingdom
In what is perhaps one of the most peculiar of films to be released this year, director Toa Fraser adapts a classic book written by the late Lord Dunsany and translates it into a memorable production of dream-like perceptions. Indeed there is much to be said for a movie which revolves around hotpots, spaniels, the transmigration of souls, Thursdays and fine wine of all things, all the while telling a remarkably profound story of whimsical-like form inhabited by sternly grounded characters unaware of their otherworldly characteristics. It is a rather unique mix of the fantastic with the mundane and cynical; a study of the human spirit, and all the little frivolous things that occupy us without bringing attention to their remote significance. In that vein writer Alan Sharp makes his screenplay an insight into how the ordinary can suddenly be turned upside on its head and given extraordinary resonance. Dean Spanley is, by all accounts, a notably dry experience, but accompanied with the always engrossing performances of the central cast and a wry sense of humour present in the script, the experience like it is central character is warm and comforting behind the rather harsh shell that surrounds it.The most remarkable of all of the movie's components is its plot, which counteracts against central character Fisk Senior's (Peter O'Toole) callous, very much close-minded approach to life. Going from happenstance to coincidence and then closely followed by an almost prophetic like relationship, Fisk's son strikes up an interesting bond with the local Dean (Sam Neill), who when under the modest influence of the rarest of wines, recalls his past life as a canine. From here on in the feature exposes its most bizarre roots, showcasing a character and story that often perplexes more than intrigues, but amuses all the same. It's certainly an interesting, and for the most part engaging narrative, but for all intents and purposes always feels like second batter to much firmer and more developed elements. This, along with a somewhat overdone conclusion forms what are perhaps the movie's only two major faults, but even then such moments are not without their inherent charm and significance to the remainder of the feature.It is instead through the character of Fisk Senior and his relationship with his ever unappreciated and frustrated son Fisk Junior (Jeremy Northam) that Dean Spanley is best at documenting and exploring. As a father and a general human being, Senior is a callous, opinionated and close minded bastard; by all means he means no real harm through his stern actions -in fact through his eyes he sees himself as teaching the world a well deserved lesson- but to those around him, he remains a senile old coot not worth paying attention to. Junior is very much his antithesis, no doubt taking more of his deceased mother's genes than his fathers, and as a result the dynamic between the two is consistently engaging to watch and always palpable. Director Toa Fraser does particularly well in directing the two to be familiar but withdrawn from each other, resulting in a relationship that counteracts that between Junior and Dean Spanley.As mentioned above however, it is within these frequent highlights of the film that only go to make the less tangible moments that exist without Senior's presence more obvious and dubious. Dean Spanley tells a fine, and notably uplifting story, but its heart and core lies within its characters that are most prominent in the forms of O'Toole and Northam. It's worth mentioning then that as the feature goes on, focus on each is given adequate balance, culminating in a clashing of the two characters' stories in a timid manner that is made all the more profound by Mr. O'Toole's performance. It's a somewhat out of place resolution, and one that seems to go against the character of Fisk Senior a little too much, but the emotional payoff that is warranted from such a shift makes up for any out of balance characterisation.For all its eccentricities, dry humour and rich sense of character however, it must be noted that the experience of watching Dean Spanley certainly isn't for everyone. A drama rooted in classic prose, focusing heavily on character, philosophy and small nuances of psychology and life, Toa Fraser here sticks to his guns and delivers an unapologetically intelligent, cultured and insightful character study kept in check by warmth of heart and unique personality. If there is one major selling point for the feature that will allow all audiences to get something from the feature however, it simply lies within the timeless presence of Peter O'Toole who gives a wonderful performance befitting of his stature and the character in which he resides. It can be a touching, humorous and even thought-provoking experience, but like a fine wine, you're best not to get too involved here; this one's for sitting back and soaking in one sip at a time, and yes, it might be a little syrupy but it's enough to get lost in and enjoy all the same.- Written by Jamie Robert Ward (http://www.invocus.net)
17 out of 19 people found the following review useful: You haven't seen the last of Peter O'Toole, not on your life, 7 September 2008 Author: Harry T. Yung (harry_tk_yung@yahoo.com) from Hong Kong
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
(Brief report from the Toronto International Film Festival) Despite some belief to the contrary, "Venus" last year was absolutely not this great actor's last Oscar bid. I hope he gets it this year with "Dean Spanley". If not, he will return.Despite the title role which was wonderfully performed by Sam Neill, "Dean Spanley" is O'Toole's film. Structurally, it is akin to a male choral quartet, but O'Toole is "the soul of the film" as the TIFF program aptly puts it.You could call this a period piece but the story is so universal that it could have taken place anywhere, any time. O'Toole portrays a desolate old man Fisk who has lost his younger son in the Boer War and his wife grieving her son. His good-natured elder son Fisk Jr. (Jeremy Northam) visits him every Thursday trying to bring some spark back into his life, with no avails. Upper lip at it stiffest, Fisk responds to his club's attendant's consoling words with fierce stare and: "Our lost? He is the one that got killed".This film, however, is a comedy, the kind of comedy with pathos that brings the entire theatre to a complete silence and then tears, after rounds of hearty laughs. The laughs are mainly British subtlety and can at times be also outlandishly funny. The fun comes mainly from Spanley, a somewhat eccentric character shrouded in a whiff of mystery. Attracted initially by Spanley's fascination with reincarnation, Fisk Jr. courts his friendship by offering to provide the exquisite Tokay wine while giving a dinner invitation. He does not have any. "It's not a lie; just deferred truth", Fisk Jr. says to himself, and proceeds to try to procure the rare prize he promised, which leads him to earthy, ever resourceful Wrather (Byran Brown) who completes the quartet.The pleasure of this simple, affecting and eventually wonderfully heart-warming film is best left to be discovered by the audience. The cast is marvelous, including, in addition to the four men, Judy Parfitt who plays Fisk's housekeeper Mrs Brimley so lovingly. But in the end, it's Peter O'Toole.
19 out of 25 people found the following review useful: A film to warm even the coldest hearts Dean Spanley though quirky is memorable, 17 December 2008 Author: (enquiries@doglistener.co.uk) from United Kingdom
Dean Spanley Peter O'Toole is magnificent as the miserable and obnoxious Edwardian patriarch Horatio Fisk. Fisk's favourite saying is "poppycock". His opinion and beliefs are aired often and loudly, and brooks no challenge or contrary opinion.His relationship with his son Henslowe Fisk ( Jeremy Northam) at their weekly dutiful meetings are cool and distant. His father's refusal to mourn the death of Henslowe's older Brother in the Boer war, drives an even deeper wedge between them.The part of Dean Stanley is played by the excellent Sam Neal as a churchman who is regressed into remembering a previous incarnation, whenever he drinks an exotic wine called Hungarian Tokay.The story is a little like Scrooge with a twist, instead of the ghosts of Xmas past the trigger is the memories of Dean Spanleys previous life as a dog. The dog in question is a Welsh Springer Spaniel (Wag) who is led astray by a mongrel friend and mystifyingly disappears leaving his owner bereft.The dogs master was the young Horatio Fisk. We are led to believe that because of the loss of an adored pet at such an impressionable age gave the stimulus for his coldness in later life, preventing him from forming a deep and loving relationship with his family. Probably believing that the pain and loss of the dog could happen again if he allowed his emotions free rein.At a type of séance where the Dean is plied by Tokay, the whole story of what happened to Wag and the splendour and exhilaration of being a dog enfolds. At last the old man can grieve, not only for his long lost dog but his relationship with his family and the loss of his son.I loved the deep affection and understanding shown between humans and their pets, and the emotion finally shown between father and son. Though I was slightly confused about Wag constantly trying to catch the moon and barking at it with his mongrel friend. This is not a behaviour I ever have to treat. Wolves and wild dogs perhaps but not our domestic dogs Perhaps in 1904, when the original story was set, then dogs had more freedom to roam and were latchkey dogs. Then behaviour like this may have occurred but I doubt it, I think the original author Lord Dunsany possibly had a mad spaniel that bayed at the moon, hence the reference to these actions.I really enjoyed this quirky, warm, and whimsical film; it brought a lump to my throat. The old curmudgeonly Horatio Fisk finally finds warmth in his heart, helped by a bouncing puppy Spaniel. I think anyone watching this incredibly well acted film will also leave with a warm glow. A fitting Christmas fare.If O'Toole is not recommended for an award for this portrayal then there is no justice.Stan Rawlinson (Doglistener) is one of the UKs leading Behaviourists and Obedience Trainers based just outside London near Hampton Court www.doglistener.co.uk
8 out of 11 people found the following review useful: Dog Days, 12 December 2008 Author: writers_reign from London, England
One can only applaud production companies willing to bankroll films as non-commercial as this. I'd be hard put to say exactly who its target audience is but I hope it finds it. It's something that could only be English despite strong elements of Hungary and Australia. It's probably just as well that the title is sufficiently insipid to bypass those in search of exploding heads and twisted metal and although I have just seen it at a Multiplex it has all the earmarks - one might even say dog-earmarks - of Art House fodder. To nutshell it we're in Edwardian England where Jeremy Northam pays a duty call each week on his eccentric father, Peter O'Toole. There had been another son who perished in the Boer War. Enter Dean Spanley, Sam O'Neill, who has a penchant for Tokay and a tendency to reminisce under its influence of the years he spent as a dog. Rounding out the principals is Bryan Brown, procurer of the hard-to-find Tokay and witness to the reminiscing. It comes together rather too well, perhaps, but remains laden with charm. Try and catch it if you're feeling pixilated.
9 out of 14 people found the following review useful: Why do the critics hate it?, 16 December 2008 Author: kjewitt from United Kingdom
First let me declare an interest. I am a screenwriter. When I first started I used to imagine my lines being spoken by the actors I loved, ie the great actors. I soon learnt to change my ways. In this film, Alan Sharp has written pages and pages of dialogue which can only be delivered by top class actors. It's a huge risk: but that's what we like in this business - a man who puts his cojones on the block. Fortunately, the actors are top class and they do deliver. Sam Neill is, in my view, turning into a great actor before our eyes. First he breathed life into Cardinal Wolsey: and in this film he's even better. Honourable mention must also go to Baron Dunsany's book. Question for budding screenwriters: how many similar books are out there waiting to be discovered? Criteria for inclusion: pre-war (therefore out of copyright), popular in their time, unashamedly commercial rather than great literature. It's no use looking in bookshops: these books are all out of print and the writers forgotten. Second honourable mention goes to Screen East, for backing this subtle and tasteful and surprising story about repressed grief. It's one of the perennial themes and all the bangs and explosions and robots in the world won't make it go away.
5 out of 7 people found the following review useful: A sleeping masterpiece!, 14 March 2009 Author: Tim Johnson from Fremantle, Australia
We saw this delightful film yesterday in Fremantle and both of us were enchanted by the opportunity to watch a movie without all the bells and whistles, with an outstanding cast and with a script that left the viewer with some questions.I am not sure about Diane but I saw a film that I did not expect to see; a film whose script made me wonder at the eventual direction of the film and one that made both of us cherish the impact of such a gentle story well told. I was captivated by the shot selection of the director as well as the materializing of those shots through the talent of the cinematographer. Gentle movies are rare these days and New Zealand seems to be a country that has the movie making impetus to provide superb movies of a different style. The viewing public is indeed fortunate that this movie producing country can continue making movies of this caliber.Of course the movie was not just a New Zealand production; the graceful hand of English film makers was evident throughout as was the marvelous understated acting by Australia's Bryan Brown but I left the theater feeling that I had again seen a wonderful product of New Zealand film making. This is a film not to be missed.
4 out of 6 people found the following review useful: Excellent beyond words!, 7 April 2009 Author: jburtroald95 from Australia
Until now it seemed that only the likes of Chris Lilley and Baz Lhurmann could successfully combine heart-rending drama with effective intelligent humour; now director Toa Fraser officially joins these screen legends after giving us this touching, comedic, original, creative pleasurable delight that will be remembered long after its cast and crew are gone. In this soon-to-be timeless classic set in early twentieth century England we see Peter O'Toole outshine all others with his performance as a tactless, bigoted, cantankerous old man by the name of Fisk Senior; Sam Neill is both whimsical and charismatic in his role as the inexplicable Dean of the film's title; Jeremy Northam manages to hold the attention of the audience as he plays the film's central character, the son of Fisk Senior and the link between its two subplots; and Bryan Brown and Judy Parfitt lead a commendable supporting cast. Fisk Junior (Northam) isn't in the best of moods as his brother has only recently perished fighting as a soldier in World War II after which his poor devastated mother died of a broken heart. Though his father (O'Toole) on the other hand was quite unaffected by this colossal harrowing tragedy but is lonely nevertheless after losing his two housemates and so his son pays him a visit every Thursday to ease his feeling of seclusion. Upon one particular Thursday he eyes an article in the paper sitting ironed to perfection on his father's desk advertising a lecture that is to be held that very day on the transmigration of souls and convinces the old man to join him in attending it. Though unfortunately the session turns out to be not quite as thrilling as young Fisk had anticipated; with him being bored to death and struggling to stay awake, and his father – finding the entire concept utterly absurd – on the verge of exploding with revulsion giving his poor son the gruelling task of restraining him. However there was in the end one thing to be gained from the experience, seated behind them and listening with great interest to the speakers words was Dean Spanley (Neill) whose most eccentric manner Fisk Junior – after meeting him – begins to find him exceedingly fascinating. So – buying a bottle of the quirky bishop's favourite dessert wine off Wrather (thankfully Brown – despite the setting of the film – retains his natural Australian accent whilst playing this character, it would have been unbearable to see our Bryan make a fool of himself putting on a phoney stereotypical British accent) a new friend made at the lecture and – to the great aversion and disapproval of his father – invites him to a dinner at his house on Thursday night. It is on this very night that Fisk discovers just how fascinating this Dean is and invites him numerous times after that to hear more of his – as Fisk puts it to his father – "wealth of knowledge." This is a must-see for every adult and young adult: it is a true treasure with its only weak points being that the explanation what I'm sure was aperfectly intriguing and imaginative concept was too rushed and subtlefor the audience to properly grasp what was being said; the final fewscenes are another thing weighing it down, after its enthralling,captivating and affecting climax the audience begins to feel that thestory has indeed reached its end and are quite ready to leave the theatre but are held up by some pieces of superfluous dialogue that are most unnecessary in rounding off the film.
1 out of 1 people found the following review useful: A quirky and touching story....., 21 August 2009 Author: maddylangham from United Kingdom
Based on the book of the same name by Lord Dunsany,Dean Spanley is a quirky but very moving and well written story about amongst other things family,friendship,dogs and Tokay wine.Set during the early 1900's it tells the story of Mr Fisk Junior(Jeremy Northam)who's life mainly revolves around Thursday meetings with his distant father Horatio Fisk(Peter O'Toole).Horatio is emotionally distant and set in his ways and is silently mourning the death of his other son Harrington.Harrington was killed in the Boar war and his death destroyed the family with his mother dying of her grief.On one Thursday outing to attend a seminar on reincarnation they meet the mysterious priest Dean Spanley(Sam Neill).The Dean we later learn believes he was a dog in a past life and keeps having flashbacks to that life.Fisk Junior along with the good old Australian middle man Wrather(Bryan Brown)invites the Dean to dinner several times to learn more about him.Wrather is able to purchase several cases of Imperial Tokay wine(which never fails to unleash the Deans past experiences in truly hysterical scenes).Although I love the book I prefer the film mainly because in the book Horatio doesn't appear it's just Fisk Junior,Wrather and the Dean sitting around having dinner.And it's the touching story of the father and son reconnecting and dealing with their grief that allows this to work so well.Peter O'Toole is heartbreaking in this and makes the film for me and there's top support from Sam Neill,Bryan Brown,Art Malick and Judy Parfit as Horatio's long suffering housekeeper Mrs Brimley.Alan Sharpes screenplay transfers to the screen beautifully and is the right mix of joy,the bizarre and sadness.This is a must see that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure you won't be disappointed by this little gem.
Add another review
