Based on the classic Henry James novel, this adaption is similar in plot to his other novel (and adapted movie), "Washington Square." In both, the lead characters are faced with the dilemma of choosing between their family inheritance and the poor men with whom they've fallen in love. However, where Jennifer Jason Leigh's character in "Square" is essentially passive toward solving her problem, the lead character here evokes an elaborate, but deviously dangerous plan.
And it's that plan and the conflict it generates that takes this story a step beyond that other work. For Kate puts everything at risk -- her happiness, inheritance, and the man she loves -- by trying to get Merton to go along with her plan and fake being in love with Millie. If it works, they'll be rich. If it backfires, she'll lose him forever.
The nice thing about how this is portrayed is that it's not some well-discussed plan, but instead is subtly arranged and played out. While it is a devious scheme, Kate doesn't come across as a blatantly malicious character. This is just something she has to do when she finds that she has no other viable option -- her back is literally up against the wall.
Although she sounds like a despicable character, Carter creates her as such a complex person who suffers as much as the intended victim, that you're compelled to feel sorry for her. Carter is capable of manifesting amazingly complex dead stares that are somehow also filled with so much emotion that she's simply fascinating to watch.
As a matter of fact, a great deal of all of the characters' feelings is told through their silent looks. Roache and Eliot have that gift as well and also create memorable characters. As in that other Henry James adaption, the performances here are outstanding with all three lead actors/actresses deserving high accolades. Everything else about the movie is also topnotch, from the haunting musical score to the costumes and the elegant cinematography.
Since the film is played out in several locales and isn't entirely filmed in stuffy costume drama rooms, it will probably be more accessible to mainstream audiences who often take a wide berth around such "art house" productions. While I haven't read any of the novels themselves, this may well be the best adaption -- viewed solely as a movie -- of his works. Filled with impressive performances and an intriguing plot, this is a must-see for fans of high class film making. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that it received four Oscar nominations.
Regarding the technical merits of the disc itself, beyond some pixelation problems, both the video and audio components are quite good, while a seventeen minute featurettte is a decent and informative supplement to the film.
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