What has been seen of Bryan Forbes (more to see) has really impressed me, 'The Stepford Wives' really stood out to me before my long overdue viewing of 'Whistle Down the Wind' came along. Alan Bates was always watchable and more, have liked him ever since seeing him in 1978's 'The Shout' and he left a big impression on me in 'Far From the Madding Crowd'. Had no doubt that Hayley Mills would be good, having been so impressed by her performance in 'Tiger Bay' in a similar kind of role.
It is great to see that 'Whistle Down the Wind' is so well loved here and elsewhere. It is a wonderful film, one of my favourites of my recent first time viewings and one of those films where my mind is still at a loss as to how it took me so long to see it. Despite it being well loved, 'Whistle Down the Wind' does deserve to be better known and is still overlooked. Am not sure as how popular this opinion will be, but of all the Forbes films seen this is my favourite namely due to being the film that connected emotionally with me the most.
Mills gives a performance every bit as good, and perhaps even better, as the one she gave in 'Tiger Bay'. The wide eyed innocence, charm and pathos she brings so maturely to her role never get too sentimental or too cute. Bates, in only his second feature film(!) gives one of his best performances as well, an intense presence but also an understated one. The chemistry between him and Mills provides some of 'Whistle Down the Wind's' heart and is very touchingly done. All the child acting is very good indeed, in my view some of the best child ensemble acting on film along with 'Stand By Me'.
Forbes directs with great accomplishment, giving the atmosphere forceful gravity and also heart-wrenching delicacy. 'Whistle Down the Wind' looks great, the locations have a lot of very evocative atmosphere while being beautiful on the eyes. The cinematography complements and enhances them beautifully. Malcolm Arnold's score is both charming and haunting.
On top of all that, the script is intelligent and has some amusing and sharp satire and plenty of innocent and touching moments. Doing it without being too wordy or too flowery. The story was one that charmed, moved and inspired me, and is much more realistic than how the premise sounds on paper. It sounds ridiculous on paper, but is actually very delicately done balanced with enough steel to keep things from getting too sappy.
To conclude, wonderful. 10/10
It is great to see that 'Whistle Down the Wind' is so well loved here and elsewhere. It is a wonderful film, one of my favourites of my recent first time viewings and one of those films where my mind is still at a loss as to how it took me so long to see it. Despite it being well loved, 'Whistle Down the Wind' does deserve to be better known and is still overlooked. Am not sure as how popular this opinion will be, but of all the Forbes films seen this is my favourite namely due to being the film that connected emotionally with me the most.
Mills gives a performance every bit as good, and perhaps even better, as the one she gave in 'Tiger Bay'. The wide eyed innocence, charm and pathos she brings so maturely to her role never get too sentimental or too cute. Bates, in only his second feature film(!) gives one of his best performances as well, an intense presence but also an understated one. The chemistry between him and Mills provides some of 'Whistle Down the Wind's' heart and is very touchingly done. All the child acting is very good indeed, in my view some of the best child ensemble acting on film along with 'Stand By Me'.
Forbes directs with great accomplishment, giving the atmosphere forceful gravity and also heart-wrenching delicacy. 'Whistle Down the Wind' looks great, the locations have a lot of very evocative atmosphere while being beautiful on the eyes. The cinematography complements and enhances them beautifully. Malcolm Arnold's score is both charming and haunting.
On top of all that, the script is intelligent and has some amusing and sharp satire and plenty of innocent and touching moments. Doing it without being too wordy or too flowery. The story was one that charmed, moved and inspired me, and is much more realistic than how the premise sounds on paper. It sounds ridiculous on paper, but is actually very delicately done balanced with enough steel to keep things from getting too sappy.
To conclude, wonderful. 10/10