'It seems the enemy... it's not what we believe' Director Sofia Coppola continues to impress as she recreates a well-known novel by Thomas Cullinan as adapted for the screen by Albert Maltz, Irene Kamp (aka Grimes Grice) and Coppola herself. Yes, the film was also made in 1971 with Clint Eastwood and Geraldine Page, but this version is gentler and more subtle – not only because of Coppola's vision but also because of the impeccable cast she has selected.
Very succinctly, the outline of the tale follows - While imprisoned in a Confederate girls' boarding school, an injured Union soldier cons his way into each of the lonely women's hearts, causing them to turn on each other, and eventually, on him.
But with more atmosphere included the story is an impressive historical setting as realized by designer Anne Ross and captured on atmospheric (if a bit too dark) cinematography by Philippe Le Sourd. And a more insightful synopsis describes this psychological drama about love and betrayal during the Civil War. As the costly American Civil War still rages on, Jane (Angourie Rice) a 12-year-old student of the forgotten Miss Martha Farnsworth's Seminary for Young Ladies in warm and humid Louisiana stumbles upon a gravely wounded Union soldier, John McBurney (Colin Farrell). Taken in to recover from his injuries, the Corporal is imprisoned in a small room inside the mansion, however, before long, the seductive and unwanted guest will manage to take advantage of the female inhabitants' wartime-subdued desires. At first McBurney is met with careful and caring attention by Miss Martha (Nicole Kidman), Edwina (Kirsten Dunst), Alicia (Elle Fanning), Amy (Oona Lawrence), Marie (Addison Riecke) and Emil (Emma Howard). But McBurney charms them as they nurse him back to health, and his lustful manipulations cause them to spiral into jealous and vengeful rages against him. Feeling trapped, John realizes that his benefactress cannot be trusted
with his love or with his life!
The musical scoring by Laura Karpman and Phoenix (with nods to Monteverdi's 'Magnificat') greatly enhances the atmosphere. The story takes unexpected turns and ends rather surprisingly, but it all works well. Recommended
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