'90s Film Throwback: "The Remains of the Day

It is unfortunate that often movies made in the early '90s are passed over by viewers today. There is good reason; such films are unfortunately caught between the "not-old-enough-to-be-a-classic" and "soooo yesteryear" categories. However, in those magical, mysterious, lost years there are many gems, one of which is the film by James Ivory adapted from the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro: "The Remains of the Day."

Perhaps one of the reasons this fine piece of cinematic history goes largely unnoticed is that it was a film that won almost everything. It was nominated for eight Oscars including best director, best actress, best actor and pest picture. Unfortunately, "Schindler's List", although it was also completely deserving, swept the board that year.

Regardless of awards, "The Remains of the Day" remains a beautiful, lyrical piece of literary history. It follows in similar vein to such greats as "The Virgin Suicides" and "The Hours" in its reflective, slow, provocative nature.

The story follows the memories of an aged, emotionally suppressed butler by the name of Mr. Stevens (Sir Anthony Hopkins) and his interactions with the housekeeper in bygone days, Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson). Although the film is set in the '50s, the majority of it takes place in flashbacks to the 1930s, shortly after World War I. As Stevens and Kenton run Darlington Hall, their employer Lord Darlington (James Fox) meets with various political leaders in regards to the post-war situation in Germany. Among these are his godson (Hugh Grant) and an American congressman (Christopher Reeves).

While the mystery surrounding the European political system is intriguing and even horrifying (one learns later that much of the deals have, in some way, become associated with Nazism), the real depth of the film lies with the characters of Stevens and Kenton. Much of the film deals with the question of dignity and what must one do to obtain and contain it. Stevens insists that he must retain the dignity he has worked so hard to gain, even at the expense of his personal life. Meanwhile, Kenton has fallen in love with him. Thus, one of the greatest, if not also most confused, love stories is born.

Thompson and Hopkins perform with the same dignity and intensity that their characters absolutely require; it is clear that both actors understand completely the subtly the roles demand of them. Hopkins never allows for the slightest acknowledgement of a smile to cross his austere face, while Thompson plays her frustrated role with utmost passion. Fox is also brilliant in his part – a kind and unfortunately misled man of old English virtue. Grant's character is full of humor and wit, and Reeves wields his character's voice of reason with absolute confidence. One could not request a better cast.

The camera work is also captivating, contributing to the subtlety of the story. As one enters the first scene, it is from the perspective of a bird. A letter is being read by Kenton, reflecting back upon her time working as a housekeeper. As she reads, recalling what Darlington Hall used to be, Stevens enters Into one of the long hallways. He opens windows to allow streams of light into the room, and while doing so, other men and women literally fade in and out around him. There is a sense that time has begun to stand still at Darlington. Slowly the camera reveals the complexity of the house, panning across long corridors and moving in and out of circular windows, resting on hidden doors. The complexities of the house are as deep as Steven and Kenton's relationship.

The acting, the lighting and camera work, and the gentle music which accompany the film elevate it to a masterpiece. It could not better capture the quiet beauty of Ishiguro's novel, perhaps even furthering it by introducing us to the visual impact of such delicate profundity. One's heart might wish to break with the pain of unrequited love but it is that sadness that makes the film as beautiful as it is. "The Remains of the Day" is truly a must-see for any lover of film, art, or literature. It is gentle, it is melancholy and it is exquisite.