The Europeans (1979)

I first saw this movie in a "Henry James on Film" class back in about 1994. I'd just read the novella of the same name and enjoyed it immensely. Not only was it remarkably beautiful and deeply moving but also, at moments, intentionally laugh out loud funny.MIP, as is their way I later discovered, created a script that fails to recognize the difference between the written word and the spoken word/visual image. The camera work is beautiful, and all the superficial details seem so right (furnishings, clothes, surfaces in general), all of which I've found to be typical of MIP films. What a pity they didn't devote at least some of that time to other matters, such as understanding the characters involved. Lines are lifted directly from the novella, with little or no attempt to adapt them to the demands of the big (or small) screen. As a result, all of the glorious subtlety of the original is lost, absolutely lost. James' characters are complex, yes, but also thoroughly real, human, and comprehensible, despite what some of his critics may claim. You wouldn't know that from any of the MIP adaptations of his works, specifically THE BOSTONIANS and THE GOLDEN BOWL. I've yet to see HULLABALOO OVER GEORGIE AND BONNIE'S PICTURES, which is, according to certain film critics, and suggested by what I've read about the film, an adaptation of James' "The Aspern Papers." Ivory has been asked about this, but has refused to answer one way or the other. It doesn't help that MIP films have tended to be shot on such tight time/money budgets that it may be impossible to shoot all the scenes that were scripted, let alone to reshoot a scene when needed. As such, they rely heavily on editing the footage they have. Anyone who studies their films may well find that this approach leads to most unsatisfying results. I've seen ten or more MIP films since this one, in an attempt to determine if this was an isolated misstep on their part, or the norm for them. I found the latter to be the case. Their films make me think of the children's fairy tale of the emperor who had no clothes. But, in the case of MIP fare, it's just the reverse: it's all clothes -- and no emperor!

I got a look at this movie last night on DVD and it was a very good movie viewing experience. I had never heard of this film at all but I liked the front cover (it wasn't the one next to this review) and also noticed Lee Remick was in it. So I gave it a try.First great thing I noticed was the beautiful fall colors all throughout this film,I really like that it was set in New England (New Hampshire to be exact). There's even a leaf covered outdoor stair-step that leads to a Gazebo which looks almost unreal. The Autumn look sets the tone of "change",that will take place during the course of the movie.There's also the absolutely perfect attention to detail in making it look and feel like your visiting 1850's America via your TV. Although made in 1979 and having been in theaters,this movie doesn't look like it was made nearly 30 years ago and even seems like it should have been a Masterpiece Theatre film. It really looks that great!The plot,as described,is Remick and other family cousin travel to America to see their U.S. relations. Also,because Remick's Baroness is being forced out of her marriage to royalty by the German Government. Gertrude is the eldest daughter in the family but is considered odd for her independent behavior and non-conforming attitude,that her father has successfully instilled in the rest of his family. So successful is he,that upon first watching this movie you'll think,"Boy this family is boring!" "Boy is that father a drag!"Which is exactly the point. The old fashioned strict values of that era are demonstrated in how staid & confining they were. Especially for women,who had to be virtual saints & objects of perfection and demure to the point of not having an identity all their own.The European cousins,don't purposely set out to "shake up" this family but,their being there does so just the same. Gertrude falls for her distant male cousin,male character Acton falls for the Baroness and the father of this film even shows a bit of relenting. It might surprise you to know that this film was a good box-office success here in 1979. Amazing possibly because there's really no cursing in this film,no violence and no one takes their clothes off.Which is refreshing for a change,the acting is on a very even level and is quite engaging,once you understand the characters better and the story becomes more clear to you.I also recommend the short-subject extra in this DVD. A film called,"Sweet Sounds",a 1976 film by the man who did the music for The Europeans. It's a cute and interesting film about 10 five year old kids learning about how music can relate to things. For me,it's revisiting a time when I was a kid. 10 out of 10 stars. No question. (END)

Ok, maybe I missed something, but the movie seemed very odd to me. The actors and actresses were either lethargic or over-hyper, and seemed to lack sincerity. So after the first five minutes, I gave up trying to follow the plot and concentrated on the costuming instead, which was fabulous. Period movies (especially ones made pre-1990) tend to care less about authenticity, and more about what looks good to the modern eye. This one was a pleasant surprise. In fact, the clothes were so good that I even wonder if they didn't use originals. I want to know, where did they get those incredible fabrics?? The hair, which is where most movies trip up the worst, was quite good except on the blonde lady (who looked like she stepped out of a 1979 issue of Vogue). Less black eye makeup would have completed the stunning job. All in all, I would recomend this movie to anyone at all interested in the look and feel of 1850s new england life, as a superb example of authenticity.

This film is a masterpiece as are all of the Merchant/Ivory's films. The absorbing story and adaptation, the fantastic actors - notably the immensely beautiful Lee Remick - and the eye for detail makes this a unique experience and may be watched again and again.