EVER AFTER 1998
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1999 Timothy Voon
3 out of 4 for Cinderella behind the fairy tale
Director: Andy Tennant Cast: Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Patrick Godfrey, Megan Dodds, Melanie Lynskey Screenplay: Susannah Grant, Andy Tennant, Rick Parks
In an odd, but ever charming retelling of a dramatised version of the Cinderella story, gone is the fairy Godmother, mice and pumpkin, but remaining is an intelligent, witty Cinder girl (Drew Barrymore), who reads her father's copy of UTOPIA in her spare time. Present still is the wicked stepmother (Angelica Huston) and two sisters – one evil and the other not. One may expect that this story may not go down well with audiences because it strays too far from the original fairy tale, but it carries with it, such odd charm that one cannot help but smile and like it. For example, the friendly banter between the strong-willed, thoughtful Danielle (Cinderella) and her depressed, disillusioned prince brings out much humour. For once we are shown why they get along and are attracted to one another, although not initially. This fairs better than the romanticised versions of the same tale, which presume that they fall in love, just because they're both good looking. Although at times the dialogue wavers between 17th and 20th century English, this is easily overlooked and is not so much an annoyance but instead unintentionally funny. This story of a French prince who finds his match in a commoner may be far fetched, but at least it leaves us with hope that behind every fairy tale, lies a true story, ever after.
Timothy Voon
e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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