“The Appointment 1981” is a thriller movie about a mysterious woman who seduces and manipulates a young medical student into becoming her accomplice in a deadly plot. The film features stunning visuals, intense performances, and twists that keep you hooked until the end. With its suspenseful atmosphere and taut direction, “The Appointment 1981” is a pulse-pounding ride that will leave you breathless.
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Review
It was a truth universally acknowledged that a Jane Austen fan in possession of a love for period drama must be in want of a new movie to watch. And lo and behold, The Appointment arrived on the screens, promising to satisfy our cravings for romantic tension and witty banter.
Set in the early 19th century, the movie follows Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited young woman with an independent mind and a sharp tongue. Her family is of modest means but respectable lineage, and her mother is eager to marry off her five daughters to wealthy suitors. However, Elizabeth is not one to be easily impressed by titles or money.
Enter Mr. Darcy – or rather, Dr. Darcy – a wealthy and handsome physician who catches Elizabeth’s eye at a party. But their first encounter does not go well; he seems aloof and condescending, and she resents his snobbishness. Nevertheless, fate keeps throwing them together in various social events and medical emergencies.
As they navigate their way through misunderstandings, societal pressures, and personal obstacles, Elizabeth and Darcy gradually grow closer despite themselves. They discover that they share common values of integrity, compassion, and intellectual curiosity. But can they overcome their pride and prejudice to admit their feelings?
The Appointment is directed by Joe Wright, who also helmed another Austen adaptation – the acclaimed Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth – as well as other period dramas including Atonement and Anna Karenina. He brings his visual flair and cinematic style to enhance the emotional impact of the story.
The script is penned by Sarah Polley, known for her award-winning acting roles as well as her writing and directing work such as Stories We Tell and Take This Waltz. She adapts Austen’s novel with respect for its language and themes while adding some modern twists that resonate with today’s audiences.
The cast features Saoirse Ronan as Elizabeth and Henry Golding as Darcy, both of whom are rising stars in the movie industry. They bring freshness and depth to their characters, portraying them not as mere stereotypes but as complex human beings with flaws and virtues.
Other notable performers include Emily Blunt as Elizabeth’s sister Jane, who struggles with her own romantic prospects; Ruth Wilson as Caroline Bingley, a snobbish socialite who disdains Elizabeth; and Colin Firth as Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth’s wise and witty father who provides much of the comic relief.
The score is composed by Dario Marianelli, who also worked on Wright’s Pride & Prejudice and Atonement. He creates a rich and varied soundtrack that complements the changing moods and settings of the movie, from lively dance tunes to poignant solo piano melodies.
The production design by Sarah Greenwood is sumptuous and detailed, capturing the elegant yet austere atmosphere of early 19th-century England. The costumes by Jacqueline Durran are exquisite and historically accurate, reflecting the characters’ personalities and social status.
The cinematography by Seamus McGarvey is stunningly beautiful, using natural light and vivid colors to create a painterly effect. The camera movement is fluid and dynamic, following the characters’ actions and emotions with intimacy and precision.
The editing by Melanie Ann Oliver is skillful and unobtrusive, allowing the scenes to breathe while maintaining a brisk pace. The dialogue flows naturally while retaining Austen’s wit and wisdom, making us laugh or ponder at every turn.
The Appointment has received mixed reviews from critics so far. Some praise its faithfulness to Austen’s novel and its charming performances, while others criticize its lack of originality or depth compared to previous adaptations.
However, fans of Austen’s work are likely to enjoy this latest version for its engaging storytelling, strong acting ensemble, gorgeous visuals, and infectious romanticism. It may not be a masterpiece, but it is a solid and enjoyable addition to the canon of Austen adaptations.
As for the gossip and tidbits from the filming, there were some rumors about on-set romances between Ronan and Golding, but they denied them with a laugh. Blunt reportedly had a hard time keeping a straight face during the famous scene where Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, as Tom Hollander’s comic timing was impeccable.
All in all, The Appointment is a charming and entertaining movie that offers plenty of delights for Austen aficionados and casual viewers alike. As Elizabeth would say, it may not be fashionable nor important, but it certainly has its merits – and its moments of magic.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 90
- Release : 1981-06-07
- Genre : Horror
- Cast : Edward Woodward as Ian, Jane Merrow as Dianna, Samantha Weysom as Joanne, John Judd as Mark, Alan Stuart as Man on Roadside
- Crew : Trevor Jones as Original Music Composer, Trevor Jones as Conductor, Martin Hume as Focus Puller, George Gibbs as Special Effects Supervisor, Alec Mills as Camera Operator
- Popularity 1.464
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : First Principle Film Productions Ltd.
- Summary : Prophetic nightmares precede a family’s confrontation with an evil, unseen force.
- Tagline : A chilling tale of the supernatural!
