Adolescence is a time associated with angst, confusion, and awkwardness. Rarely has the adolescent experience been captured with the heart and hilarity of 2003's I Capture the Castle. The film brings Dodie Smith's 1949 classic novel to vibrant, joyful life for a whole new generation. At once a slice of British life between the wars and a universal coming of age story I Capture the Castle is sure to capture viewers' hearts.
The story begins in the English countryside during the 1930's. Teenage aspiring writer Cassandra is living with her family in a decrepit castle. Even as the eccentric family enjoys the bohemian life in the castle they continue to sink ever deeper into poverty. After years of writer's block her famous author father's fortune has finally run out, leaving the family unable to pay their rent. When their landlord dies his two American grandsons arrive to collect the rent. Cassandra's older sister, Rose, sees the pair's arrival as the solution to the family's problems and sets to work trying to win the older son's heart. The sisters then embark upon a series of misadventures in life and love that is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.
The film sets itself apart from other coming of age stories through its winning combination of heart and humor. The script makes the most of the story's absurd premise as it highlights both the castle's decrepit state and the family's obliviousness to it. The film also shows the family's eccentricities by contrasting their oddball antics with the proper reserved behavior of those around them. Even as it revels in the characters' outlandishness, however, it is always careful to laugh with rather than at them. For example, while the film portrays the family's outrageous lifestyle it is also careful to portray the consequences of that lifestyle.. Similarly, the film champions the family's integrity in the face of artifice and conformity even as it plays the contrast for laughs. Through its unflinching portrait of its characters and its tongue in cheek view of their situation the film strikes the ideal balance between comedy and drama. In its loving depiction of the Mortmain family's misadventures the film captures the hijinks and heartache of growing up. Recapture the the and laughter of youth with Cassandra in I Capture the Castle.
The film transports viewers to Britain between the wars thanks to its endearingly eccentric performances. Rose Byrne embodies Rose's charm and cunning with equal skill. Henry Cavil exudes boy next door charm and sincerity as Cassandra's would-be suitor, Stephen. Henry Thomas aptly portrays American arrival Simon's culture shock and inner conflict. Mac Blucas is the ultimate brash American as Simon's obstinate brother, Neil. Bill Nighy portrays family patriarch James' bravado and pitifulness with realism and sympathy. Tara Fitzgerald is a delight as Cassandra's free-spirited stepmother, artists' model, Topaz. Even in the midst of apt supporting performances the film belongs to Romola Garai as Cassandra. Garai turns in a performance that captures all of the idealism, confusion, vulnerability, and romanticism of a girl on the verge of womanhood.
This deceptively simple slice of life drama encompasses the adolescent experience in all of its tragedy and triumph. The script brings Dodie Smith's beloved novel leaping onto the screen. The case brings each of their characters to life in all of their eccentricity and relatability. It is little wonder why generations of the young and young at heart continue to have their hearts captured by Cassandra and Rose in I Capture the Castle.
No comments:
Post a Comment