peter-burton-1 Reviews

Brief Encounter (1945)

Utter Misery

[1/10 · 18 March 2023]

This film is so depressing that it should never be watched just before bedtime, if at all. It is a study in all the ways that a love affair can be spoiled before it gets going. Where is the pleasure in that ?

I have tried to imagine what sort of person might enjoy this misery. Perhaps it appeals to Puritans as they like to deny everybody pleasure. Or maybe it appeals to those who like to spoil pleasure for others but not for themselves.

I give it one star for Celia Johnson's acting. She made me so sorry for her character, trapped in an inadequate marriage. One thing is for sure; I will never watch this film again.

Basic Instinct 2 (2006)

Well I liked it !

[7/10 · 9 April 2006]

I cannot accept the negative comments of other reviewers. They are too critical, perhaps because they are stuck in the past. I would like to see a comment from someone who had never seen Basic Instinct 1, perhaps someone very young ? I left the cinema feeling glad that I had not been swayed by the IMDb reviewers. 14 hours later I am still trying to find flaws in the plot but I cannot think of anything serious. My advice to everyone is see it for yourself and make up your own mind.

It follows a similar pattern to Basic Instinct 1 but the plot is less confused. It still left me wondering at the end but in a more satisfactory way. Sharon Stone is as sexy and evil as before and wears her 48 years extremely well; this remains her defining role. David Morrisey was satisfactory even though he is no Michael Douglas. Of the supporting cast I particularly liked David Thewlis as the police detective.