You won't be able to tell by the title or the opening sequence, but by the time Catherine is introduced to Morris Townsend, you can guess that Washington Square is a remake of The Heiress. Since I absolutely loved the original, I was both excited and skeptical of the remake. All in all, there were some new, interesting takes, and some differences. I still like the original best, but this version was very entertaining.
Jennifer Jason Leigh was perfectly cast as the homely, socially awkward heroine. She was also a better age for the part than Olivia de Havilland, and because the beginning showed her birth and upbringing, you truly understand her devotion to her father and her wish to be accepted by her peers. When a romance finally comes her way, she's desperate to finally enjoy all the delights young women can enjoy with a suitor and engagement. I don't usually like her, but her particular talents are utilized in this role. She's painfully shy, critical of herself, anxious for love and approval, and exactly the type of girl who could be taken advantage of without suspect.
Albert Finney had perhaps the biggest shoes of all to fill, following Ralph Richardson in the role of the father. A couple of great scenes from the original were omitted from this one, particularly when Catherine first tells her father of her engagement, so he wasn't given as much to do. What he was given to do, he did extremely well. Maggie Smith, on the other hand, was given more to do than her predecessor, Miriam Hopkins, in the role of the aunt. She's given several more scenes with the suitor and also develops an unhealthy fixation on him. Plus, you get to hear her put on an American accent; I don't think I've ever heard that before.
The biggest difference in this version is the impression of Morris Townsend's character. In the original, Montgomery Clift is obviously a fortune hunter. He's gorgeous, he's significantly younger than her, his approach is unrealistic, and his delivery insincere. These are not criticisms, of course; this is the way the original is structured. In this way, Ralph Richardson gains our sympathy and we believe in him every step of the way. In 1997, Ben Chaplin portrays Morris differently. He still obviously studied Clift's performance (which is a nice homage), but he's totally believable. In fact, he's so believable in his attraction and devotion, you'll start to wonder if the story will take a different turn. Is he, in fact, truly in love with Jennifer? Is Albert being too overprotective? You'll have to watch this remake to find out. There are some differences to the story, and it leaves you with a different feeling. You won't find any spoilers here, though.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. In the very beginning, the camera swerves as if it's been tilted off its axis and spins around for one or two minutes, and that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"
Jennifer Jason Leigh was perfectly cast as the homely, socially awkward heroine. She was also a better age for the part than Olivia de Havilland, and because the beginning showed her birth and upbringing, you truly understand her devotion to her father and her wish to be accepted by her peers. When a romance finally comes her way, she's desperate to finally enjoy all the delights young women can enjoy with a suitor and engagement. I don't usually like her, but her particular talents are utilized in this role. She's painfully shy, critical of herself, anxious for love and approval, and exactly the type of girl who could be taken advantage of without suspect.
Albert Finney had perhaps the biggest shoes of all to fill, following Ralph Richardson in the role of the father. A couple of great scenes from the original were omitted from this one, particularly when Catherine first tells her father of her engagement, so he wasn't given as much to do. What he was given to do, he did extremely well. Maggie Smith, on the other hand, was given more to do than her predecessor, Miriam Hopkins, in the role of the aunt. She's given several more scenes with the suitor and also develops an unhealthy fixation on him. Plus, you get to hear her put on an American accent; I don't think I've ever heard that before.
The biggest difference in this version is the impression of Morris Townsend's character. In the original, Montgomery Clift is obviously a fortune hunter. He's gorgeous, he's significantly younger than her, his approach is unrealistic, and his delivery insincere. These are not criticisms, of course; this is the way the original is structured. In this way, Ralph Richardson gains our sympathy and we believe in him every step of the way. In 1997, Ben Chaplin portrays Morris differently. He still obviously studied Clift's performance (which is a nice homage), but he's totally believable. In fact, he's so believable in his attraction and devotion, you'll start to wonder if the story will take a different turn. Is he, in fact, truly in love with Jennifer? Is Albert being too overprotective? You'll have to watch this remake to find out. There are some differences to the story, and it leaves you with a different feeling. You won't find any spoilers here, though.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. In the very beginning, the camera swerves as if it's been tilted off its axis and spins around for one or two minutes, and that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"