Helena Bonham Carter

 

Helena Bonham Carter

ph: John Suonnella

Howards End (1992)

 

 

A businessman thwarts his wife's bequest of an estate to another woman.

 

A successful adaptation of E.M. Forster's novel about moral hypocrisy thanks to a wonderful cast and tasteful production.

 

On renewed viewing: a classic of its own kind; always worth a rewatch.

 

Halliwell***: "The best of the adaptations of Forster's novels, in which the nostalgia is undercut by an examination of the moral bankruptcy of the ruling class."

 

Maltin****: "Sumptuous, stimulating adaptation of E.M Forster's novel of class distinction...Extraordinarily good on every level." 

 

 

Helena Bonham Carter

ph: Kate Barry

Toast (2010) (TV)

The story of British cook and writer Nigel Slater's childhood.

Above-average TV biopic, well produced and with a great cast, is initially heart-rendering and endearing, but eventually evolves into a story of its protagonist's coming of age.

Maltin**: "Flavorful film is a great showcase for Bonham Carter and Stott."

Frankenstein (1994)

When Victor Frankenstein rejects the artificial man he just created, the monster escapes and later swears revenge.

Well produced and fairly accurate adaptation of the classic novel, but does lacks in atmosphere and depth.

Halliwell*: "A bold and brash attempt to be true to the original novel, but which, like its monster, gets lost in the Arctic wastes and then confuses the narrative by focusing the attention on its over-production; it fails to dislodge the original film from folk memory."

Maltin**: "Hugely disappointing, "faithful" rendition of the Frankenstein saga. Energetic to a fault, with a camera that refuses to stand still. Branagh allows us to understand what makes Dr. F. tick, but the story goes askew once his creation is unleashed. De Niro's monster remains doggedly De Niro-ish, and makes one yearn for Karloff. (Even Peter Boyle would do.)"

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From my vaults: Helena Bonham Carter

(ph: Jillian Edelstein)

Bio:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helena_Bonham_Carter

The King's Speech (2010)

The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Wonderfully entertaining period story interweaving a personal frailty with historic events.