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Powerful

A Masterpiece!

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I saw this film on the strength of an NPR review. This was decades ago before I had even heard of Rupert Everett or Helen Mirren. When I came across something (I forget what) that said Helen Mirren was in the movie, I had to go rent it and watching again because I couldn't figure out who her character was. It was such an un-Helen Mirren-esque part but she stilled nailed it. And the movie has that car wreck vibe - you don't want to watch it play out, but you can't help yourself. Definitely one of my favorite movies.

Although the actors do play very well and give a marvellous performance, I can say that was all the good about it. In fact, I decided to buy the movie for their sake: Helen Mirren, Rupert Everett, Natasha Richardson,who are brilliant actors.Unfortunately, in our country ratings are not always accurate and for this one definitely was not.It is not simply a thriller, it is horrifying, and brutal, what is more, sick. I believe viewers should be warned in advance because not everybody has the stomach for it. So now I am spoiling it, understandably, and for a good reason. After all it is not a war movie/ a horror movie where you can expect a few throats cut. And that is exactly what you get, all of a sudden, unexpectedly. Without any good reasoning or a message to tell like in other psychologically much better written thrillers.(e.g. The Devil's Advocate) All you read about " The Comfort of Strangers" is how full it is with lust and reviews concentrate on the British couple's relationship, the chilling ( and boring) music, the wonderfully made images ( again way too boring , like a still of a picture sometimes). No mention of the very violent, direct throat-cutting scene in the end.I actually loved Rupert in it, his character, the way he was willing to do everything for his girl, but I believe he should have put up a good fight at least, not wait for his killing like a lamb. Maybe, we can say it was a nice depiction of British reserve, politeness and endurance, which obviously was in great contrast with the sadistic man's selfish love. But I guess it could have been shown in a different way, in a much better way.Also, I am not happy it was filmed in Venice. The novel didn't even mention the name of the town, as far as I know originally it was just "somewhere in Europe". Well, I have never been to Venice but after watching this film, I don't think I ever will. And not because of the story. Mostly because of the atmosphere and the feelings that the pictures created in me, the colours, the music, the way it was made. If that was the aim of filming it there, (i.e. decrease the number of tourists visiting Venice), I can say it was definitely achieved in my case so you can count one would-be tourist out. At least for a good few years until I can forget this eerie movie experience...And for that I am more than sad.

This is one of those movies like "Mommie Dearest" that, after the first viewing, you're not sure that you could have possibly seen what you think you saw. It's so over the top that you need to shower afterward. And then, for some twisted reason, you watch it again and you start to like it. Everything about it is preposterous (though, Venice looks cool). Natasha Richardson and Rupert Everett play, perhaps, the dullest couple to ever grace the screen. It is impossible to care about, or even understand, the emotional quandary they're going through. Helen Mirren is completely insane, but nothing can prepare you for the vintage, bravura Walken performance. His monologue about his father (that he delivers more than once in a dubious Italian accent) is a zenith in the Hammy Hall of Fame. Seek out someone else that has seen it and recite that monologue to each other in a bad Italian dialect and you will seldom in your life laugh harder. Rent (or buy, as I have) quickly and brace yourself.

What a load of pretentious nonsense!An odd couple on holiday in Venice meet an even odder couple and they all share their individual and collective dysfunctionality blah, blah, blah.....The writing is ludicrous and the story mostly ridiculous.If you ever want to go on a trip to Venice, don't see this film as it is portrayed as a slum and mainly under water, and nothing to do at night but walk around narrow, spooky streets, get lost and if you are lucky enough to find a restaurant, the chef will be off sick anyway.Now Rupert Everett the male lead in this film has let us know ad nauseum about his "preferences" so what a strange casting as he is meant to be 'straight' but it is clear he has no interest whatsover in his female co-lead and it sure shows.And others in this picture gush over Rupert as being a "beautiful" man. Personally I find him ugly in the extreme, hideous features, gorky frame,etc.Still some reasonable photography plus OK music so that lifts it by a mark, hence:2/10.