Customer Reviews

Restoration

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Restoration" won a pair of Oscars for Eugenio Zanetti's Art Direction-Set Deocration and James Acheson's Costume Design, and there is a sense in which the spectacular sets threaten to overwhelm the story, which is based on the novel by Rose Tremain. This is a gorgeous film where the camera often takes time to focus on every detail as we are introduced to one spectacular set after another that presents the lavish court of King Charles II, who returned to the English throne following the restoration of the Stuart monarch. As far as period costume dramas go this 1994 film is virtually in a class by itself, and how it was made for only $18 million is beyond belief.

The reason that many viewers may not cotton to this film is that it is one in which we are repeatedly misled as to what the film is above. Even with the hint of the film's title, which is at face value the term used to describe the reign of Charles II, "Restoration" makes more sense retrospectively. However, I liked the idea that my idea of what the film was about kept evolving. After all the times I have sat through predictable films and been ahead of the characters and the plot, I can certainly enjoy trying to keep up with a story for once and being surprised by the twists and turns in the narrative.

The story is about Robert Merivel (Robert Downey Jr.), a young physician of great promise who is summoned to court to attend to a patient at the command of the King (Sam Neill). Merivel succeeds, albeit more through luck than skill, and is appointed to a position in court. Seduced by life in the palace Merivel accepts the position, which means turning his back on his studies and his best friend John Pearce (David Thewlis), a Quaker. However, the King finds another use for Merivel and marries him to his most spirited mistress, Lady Cedlia (Polly Walker). After the lavish wedding Merivel gets a knighthood and a huge country estate, but the one thing that is denied him is sex with his "wife." Having been ordered not to fall in love with Celia, we believe we know what this film is going to be about. However, in that regard we are both right and wrong.

Despite the glamour of Merivel's rise in the first part of this film, it is his fall that produces the true drama. It is a long fall, hard fall, set against the backdrop of two cataclysmic events in the London of that time: the Black Plague and the Great Fire. It is not that Merivel finds himself during these trying times, but rather than he remembers himself. Downey's performance covers a lot of ground. When he is the fool he embraces the role wholeheartedly, but at the end when he has restored to him the most precious thing that he has lost the look on his face is a moment of transcendent joy. Of course, it is impossible to watch this film today and not wish the actor had taken its moral to heart.

I have enjoyed watching this film several times and one of these days I am going to have to read Tremain's novel. I suspect that the screenplay by Rupert Walters is being extremely faithful, but I would also think that Tremain has all sorts of marvelous period details that I would enjoy. Another thing that impresses me about Michael Hoffman's film is that it has Ian McKellen and Meg Ryan in what are essentially small, but pivotal, roles. "Restoration" is a film where you just go along for the ride, enjoy the pretty pictures, and be surprised at the end to discover how far you have come from where you started.

Here is one of my favorite films and one of the best period pieces of recent years. Occuring during the English Restoration period, it is also the story of a soul's restoration to recognize one's talents and one's destiny. Based on the novel by Rose Tremain, it cuts across the events of the era using the life of the character Robert Merivel, played by Robert Downey, Jr. The beauty of the costumes and art direction was accomplished within a miniscule budget (the total film budget was less than $20 million) but resulted in winning the Oscar for both categories. As always, Mr. Downey Jr. proves that he is one of the top actors in America today. It is a pity that his personal life has been so tragic and yet, here within this film, he portrays an individual bent on self-destruction rather than recognizing and exercising his talents. You want to shout, "Robert, do you watch any of your films?" It is funny, touching and inspiring. Sadly, not a box office smash, but it was a difficult movie to promote. Also, pay attention to the film score, a great combination of classical music of the period and an excellent score by James Newton Howard. And, to Mr. Downey Jr., who I hope can get his personal troubles behind him so that he can enjoy his talents, there is a line for him that is quite appropriate: "Lord, send a light to show Robert the way."

I had little hope upon seeing the cast of characters that this movie would prove little more than a sorrowful period piece. I was wrong. This film was excellent. Robert Downey Jr. as the central character was a bit over the top campy at times, but it worked for this piece. He plays a self indulgent physician whose introduction to the viewer comes as he whines about having to treat sick people and has sold his instruments into pawn and is begging his father for the money to get them back. Downey does a fine job as the over indulgent young man who is made a fool by the King and must learn the lessons that his friend, a simple Quaker physician (played surprisingly well by David Thewlis, who himself is normally the nail in the coffin for any movie hoping to be remotely good)and a mad woman (Meg Ryan). It is the performances of the actors and the over all beauty of the film that makes it stand out as exceptional. Sam Neil was delightfully wicked as King Charles II, Meg Ryan was hauntingly memorable as the mad woman whose tragic life is healed by Downey's physician and who teaches him about love, and though it pains one to say it, by David Thewlis whose portrayal of Dr. John Pierce not only makes Downey's transformation into a compassionate human being believable but also is surprisingly good in and of itself. The man who usually looks like he went to the Nathan Lane school of acting, steals much of this movie with a quiet dignity.

The first time I saw this movie I was distinctly underwhelmed. I'm an art historian with a specialty in the Baroque and found the settings way over the top, especially in the palace scenes. Everything seemed to be enlarged and rather ridiculous. I'm afraid that my annoyance about this prevented me from seeing the real value of the film. After a long time I recently viewed it again and was stunned to discover that there was a very interesting and inspiring story lurking among the overinflated sets. The story of a person's decay into self-indulgence and self-pity and eventual discovery, through religious friends, of the pathway to genuine happiness by caring for others was actually very surprising in contemporary culture. Bravo!

On the performances: I thought Robert Downey, Jr. did a pretty good job in the title role and that Sam Neill did a remarkably good job (with, I suspect, some tongue-in-cheek)embodying Charles II. I was less impressed by the women (and Hugh Grant), but they really had subordinate roles anyway. And Ian McKellan, who has always impressed me as a very physical actor, did a great job as an elderly rural servant. Best of all were the pack of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who did a superb job of playing themselves!

Visually magnificent, with plenty of opportunities for oppressive opulence in this delicious, but ultimately convoluted epic, *Restoration* is a lovely mess. Spanning the reign of Charles II, the great fire, the plague, ad nauseum, the "restoration" refers to, not only the period, but the human condition. But that conclusion is a difficult one to arrive at, and will only be understood by those viewers who actually sit through the movie. Shot in England and Wales, and winning Academy Awards for Art Direction and Costumes, the script involves a promising young doctor, Jack Merivel (Downey), whose gifts attract the attention of the King. Entering the revered court circle, Merivel has the delights of the world at his fingertips and ultimately succumbs to debauchery. But it is a story of restoration (as well as *the* Restoration) and redemption, with certain timeless aspects that have modern consequences, but the script begins to fray throughout the second half. With the exception of an unpleasant, jarring characterization of a mentally ill woman by Meg Foster (whose forte is definitely not period pieces), the leading and supporting roles are well cast. Downey has an appeal and charm (one that survived his recent tribulations), and gives Merivel humor, irony and dedication, in addition to the human foibles he falls victim to. Neill carries off the role of King Charles II with style and assurance, as he seeks to secure the permanent services of his mistress by marrying her off the Merivel, thus keeping her near. The King has selected Merivel for his inability to be placated with one woman - Merivel's desires keep him on a constant conquest for new and different lasciviousness - but the King's one condition is that Merivel not fall in love with his own wife. Needless to say, that is exactly what occurs, and thus begins the tumultuous fall from grace. And that's just the first part of this lengthy movie. The second half deals with Merivel's quest for redemption - not from the King, but from himself and God. It involves his daughter by the Meg Ryan character, and this is where the story changes from costume drama to social commentary. It is through Merivel's personal travails, as well as those inherent in the period: disease, pestilence and ignorance, that Merivel understands that the only reason he is on earth is to care for this child that is an extension of himself. His flight to find her and prove his worthiness in overcoming the obstacles set before him is a moment that would have been served at little earlier in the film. Despite the lush cinematography, there is an overdose factor involved that, once the outcome of the movie is evident, the viewer yearns for it to hurry along and be over. That said, it also leaves lingering memories of beauty and gratification.

Director Michael Hoffman's 1994 film "Restoration" was based on Rose Tremain's novel about 17th century England in the time known as "The Restoration" during the reign of King Charles II. A gorgeous film, it explores the times and its light and dark elements while at the same time we journey through the eventful life of the physician Dr. Robert Merivel (played by Robert Downey Jr). Through the course of the film, he encounters two women- the mysterious, beautiful and aristocratic Lady Celia Clemence (Polly Walker) and the simple, Irish Puritan played by Meg Ryan who hardly takes up roles in historic films. Guest stars include Ian McKellen (Gandal from Lord of the Rings)as a member of the king's court and Hugh Grant as an annoying, self-deluded portrait artist.

The title suggests not only the period in England's history but the spiritual "restoration" of Robert himself, who goes through enormous change throughout the film, from womanizing, sinful, care-free, naive, immature young doctor to enlightened, wise, mature, compassionate and religiously guided family man. Merivel is a doctor during the Plague- not the Bubonic Plague of Shakespeare's day but the later plague of the mid 1600's. Science is illuminating the otherwise dark, superstitious medieval world as a type of Renaissance emergences in all the fields. Charles II (played by Sam Neill) has restored England and freed the country from the conservative, repressed and bleak reign of the Puritans, opening the theatres again (which the Puritans had found sinful)and opening his mind to the wonders of science. In one scene, an elderly guinea pig has been cut to reveal his living heart which he tells Merivel he can touch for a shilling. The role of Charles II is performed effortlessy by Sam Neill who makes him appear like England's version of Frances' Louis XIV the "Sun King". He offers Lady Celia (who enters in a magnificent display) as Merivel's bride but in one condition: he must never fall in love or have sexual relations with her. However, the promise is broken when Merviel and Celia do break the rules. Lady Celia, one of many mistresses of the polyamorous English king, is jealous and tormented that she is not the only one who owns the king's heart. I thought her character was rather wooden in this respect and she could have at least shown more strength of character rather than pining away for that lusty king. In contrant, Meg Ryan is simple, unassuming, spiritually motivated and ultimately happier though she lives in sheer poverty and plague.

This is another little twist to the story. The poor seem to be better people than the rich. John Pearce, a Quaker, is the opposite of Charles II as he seems to be the power figure in a religious world of humanity and simplicity rather than luxury and pursuit of pleasure. This is a gorgeous film, with beautiful detail and attention to historic fact as well as a moving journey in the life of one man. Robert Downey Jr. himself incorporates the modern Merivel, as he has himself indulged in pleasures- and in life-afflicting drugs of which he has since recovered. Now, Downey is a better man, a changed man, much like Merivel in the end of the film. This is a great movie to look at, if only for its visual cinematography. There is subtle symbolism in the film, such as the tree in the Puritan settlement which seems to have mystic connections, the London Fire seems to be speaking of Hell Fire, the Universe "Model" with the King in the center seems to be saying that Charles II's reign was absolute. A great costume drama that is not easily forgotten.

I am very disapointed. I loved the movie enough to get the DVD only to find that for one of the most beautifull movies ever made it is one of the worst DVD transfers I have ever seen. First, I don't know why Hollywood cannot get it screen format act together. This movie is not wide screen animorphic ( to fite wide screen TV's) nor is it surround sound, as it says on the back under special features. You have to look closer to see the word "Stereo" after running time and color. The first release of The Last of The Mohicans had the same screen format problem but thank God they came out with what they then called an enhanced widescreen version that fixed the problem. Please Mirimax restore Restoration to true wide screen dolby 5.1 surround sound and I will give it an easy 5 stars

All I can say is this is an amazing story. I for one like movies over their printed counterparts - especially when the actors and directors interpretations tell a fantastic story. This is that type of movie. Sam Neill is extraordinary as is Robert Downey Jr. who is playing a character similar to his real life.

I think it is a stunning movie visually but don't believe others that tell you this overshadows the plot or character development, it doesn't. In fact the point of the movie is the Restoration of Merivel (Downey) from a sensualist bent on wine, women and song, to recognize his true talents of a physician and the support that those close to him have given him. This movie is a journey for Merivel through the ups and downs of his life, from drunken debauchery of Charles II's court to fighting the great fire of London and the plague that struck Europe.

All in all I think the scenery is enough reason to get this movie. But don't believe for a minute that there isn't a compelling story, a true character transformation and plenty of conflict and resolution that would have made this movie a winner were it shot in black in white in the mountains.

RESTORATION is a film of great beauty and passionate design.The period detail in this film is rivaled IMO only by AMADEUS and TOPSY-TURVY for sheer in -depth research into every minute detail of costume and set design.Yes, it did win those two Oscars and rightly so!

RESTORATION is one of those magnificent films that is flawed by it's screenplay that was reduced from Rose Tremain's novel.The plot....(here we go!)... concerns one highly intelligent but flawed and immature physician of London in 1663,one Sir Robert Merivel,magnificently portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.Merivel is in practice with his good Quaker Friend John Pearce (David Thewlis) when Merivel becomes one of the many pawns in King Charles 11's ("The Merry Monarch") ascension to the Throne in the Age of "Restoration".The shuttered theatres are again opened (the fact that the music chosen for this film is primarily from the Restoration Theatre composer, Henry Purcell shows again the high quality of authenticity in this film!))and there is an increase in the pursuance of knowledge and medical advancement in opposition to the archaic and superstitious practices of the former years.Merivel,though,does not heed the advice of his friend Pearce and does the King's bidding by accepting a place at The Royal Court.This is when Merivel is drawn into the King's web of Royal whim and Merivel becomes the most miserable he has ever been.Why? The King has ordered that Merivel marry the Royal Mistress,in order to appease and avoid scandal,but that Merivel is to NOT fall in love with The Lady Celia!Merivel does,though.He cannot help it.The King banishes Merivel,losing all only to now return to Pearce and resume medicine.There Merivel encounters madness and disease of all sorts and sets about to bring his medical knowledge to these patients.One is Catherine (Meg Ryan) whom Merivel acutely realizes has been damaged by past experiences and is not mad as suspected.They become intimate and she eventually bears his child, only to die in childbirth.Distraught,Merivel takes his young daughter and flees to London only to find that the Plague is consuming the city and that Celia is sick.Posing as Pearce,who has since died,Merivel is summoned to the Palace and diagnoses the sick Celia as needing love and understanding from the King (a marvelous Sam Neill).The London fire then strikes the City and Merivel tries to find his infant daughter.He is cast adrift out of the city,but in the end his daughter is returned, the King's favour is restored and Merivel has learned the lessons of compassion and true love.All is restored!!!.....WHEW!....AND I LEFT OUT A LOT!!!! Now,could you follow that??? That now is the one rub with this film;the book is all there and it is crammed into 2 hours! It doesn't work.Knowing Tremain's book helps immensely with filling in what either the director,script super or editor left out! Other than that,RESTORATION is a GRADE A "super-flawed" film that I love more every time I see it,but I will always have to hold it to 4 stars because of the screenplay! If there ever comes out a Director's Cut I will be the first in line at Amazon.Until then....
P.S. The soundtrack by James Newton Howard is one of my top 5 favorites for original score with period original song added.

When the dictatorial regicide and would-be genocidal warlord Oliver Cromwell breathed his Puritanical last and took his place next to Judas in wastelands of Hell (sorry, I'm just being Irish, folks) a new and glorious era dawned in England, and this time, the 1660's, came to be known as the Restoration. Telling a story set in England during this age, director Michael Hoffman gives us an unflinching view of the grit and grime of the seventeenth-century, even as he deliberately contrasts it with the French-influenced grandeurs of the Royal Court. Sam Neill steals the show in my opinion and nails dead-on the personality of the complex King Charles II, once a futureless exile during the Commonwealth, now an all-powerful monarch intent on solidifying his place in history. Also for all his reputed drug use, Robert Downey Jr's acting skills are as good here as they were in Chaplain. Downey plays physician Robert Merivel, a carousing womanizer whose incipient talents in medicine are smothered by his desires for fleshly pleasures, and we see him first rise under the patronage of King Charles (as he receives credit for saving the life of a royal mistress' pet dog) and later witness his downfall from the easy hedonism of the Court. Merivel rues his banishment and finds a place amid the lowest of the low, eventually fathering a child with a half-mad Irishwoman played by Meg Ryan. When Merivel demonstrates selfless courage during a time of national crisis, he again comes to the notice of the pragmatic and shrewd king, and before film's end he, too, is "restored" in fortune and arises a new and far better man for the tortuous journey through which his life has taken him.