Film Reviews

Silk

• Director: Francois Girard
• Starring: Alfred Molina
• Details: Details USA / 110mins (15A)

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Based on the Alessandro Baricco's much-celebrated novel, this is the story of a married silkworm smuggler (Pitt) in 19th century France who has to up sticks to Japan to collect his cargo, when he meets a local hot chick with whom he becomes obsessed (in a sideways perv sort of way). His Mrs. (Knightley) notices a change in her husband when he returns home, and begins to suspect some illicit wrong-doings. Lots of ponderings on the meaning of love and conflicted feelings ensue.. we're sure. There have been no press screenings, y'see, 'cos the American critics rounded on it like a bunch of 17th century witchhunters hell-bent on blood - which was a direct factor in this film making about as much money as a hobo in a pair of €100 runners. While Pitt is a talented actor who refuses to play the typical 'Hollywood leading man' game, Knightley should really know better at this point. Atonement was a success both critically and financially, and should see a couple of nods go its way come Oscar time; but she is becoming increasingly stereotyped as a period actress with a love of corsets and stilted historical banter. Thus, this is not a good role for her. After two crap POTC movies and the aforementioned Atonement, she should be looking to nick more contemporary roles from the likes of Jessica Biel or Reese Witherspoon. Basically, her agent needs a lighter put under his/her arse, so Knightley can start showing some proper range. Just please, no more Domino - that movie was the cinematic equivalent of an out-of-control disco ball.

Review by Mike Sheridan