An Awfully Big Adventure (DVD, 2005)

I loved this movie for several reasons. Its like a little jewel box of a picture about what goes on behind the scenes of a local acting company.It brought back all the fun I had when I was working in theater including the gossip and back stories that go on with an acting troupe. This is one of the best movies that Alan Rickman has done in my opinion and a shame it wasn't seen by a wider audience.Its facinating to watch him move his character along in the story. He takes almost an hour into the story before he shows up, like the cavalry riding in to save the day on a motorbike. Never enough Rickman here, but the quality is wonderful. He had just come off of playing in "Sense and Sensabilty" playing the pussy-wipped milktoast Col. Brandon. It was wonderful to see him bring this rotter P.L.O'Hara to life. It takes place in dreary Liverpool after the war and everything is bombed out and gray except for the theater that has a bright facade. Young Stella who has been abandoned by her mother to be raised by her aunt and uncle obviously has mental problems that need to be worked out and her family believes that acting will help her with her demons. Little do they know what a cauldron of immorality that they put her in. Hugh Grant is great as the homosexual scheming preditor theater manager and really goes against the usual romantic lead he plays in most if his films. This movie is generally listed as a comedy but I think it turns out most tragically for all the main actors. Costumes are great, except for the all white Wimbleton outfit Rickman wears while playing soccer. Do to make him stand out on the field but in reality impractical.I wanted to tie up all the endings but that doesn't happen in this film. It just leaves you with more questions. Its light fare and a good movie for rainy Autumn Sunday.

I intially decided to buy the film because I am a fan of Mr. Alan Rickman. However, I was in for a little shock when I finished watching An Awfully Big Adventure. Alan played a very significan t role that was doomed with such misfortune. An audience could almost sympathize with his situation of loving someone who doesn't mutually share the feeling. Hugh Grant plays the perfect sadistic cupid. Though I felt Alan carried the film throughout and his epic "STELLA" cry only causes reminiscent memories of a young Marlon Brando. All and all a very dramatic film with an interesting, yet misfortunate twist!

The title belies the stunning story of a wayward actor who finally engages in what he considers the ultimate sin. The film is well acted, the finale a stunner.