kathyshalleck
Rickie is a man who tells his sister-in-law not to marry (although she was ready to) a man with whom she is not in love. He does this - not particularly to save her from a loveless marriage but, as it turns out, to save her for himself. Unfaithful to his wife, he begins a long-term affair with his sister-in-law and then near the end of the film "rapes" (that's what it looked like folks) his wife, the result of which is a female child that somehow in the end is supposed to be very much like his sister-in-law (whose child by him died in childbirth). The characters are all flawed (which is interesting to see) but I found him - the husband, adulterer and rapist - the most challenging to feel any empathy with or compassion for (although I believe we are somehow supposed to). However, all actors were terrific in their roles and I definitely think the film is worth seeing.
Maddyclassicfilms
Set in England during the 1930's The Heart of Me tells the story of two sisters Dinah(Helena Bonham Carter)and Madeleine(Olivia Williams).They both fall in love with the same man Rickie(Paul Bettany).However in terms of marriage only one can really have him.One marries Rickie and the other begins a passionate affair with him.This is a moving and gorgeous film.The costumes are beautiful and the performances are really good especially from the three leads.Helena is one of my favourite actresses and she doesn't disappoint here in her role as Dinah.A well made romance that looks good visually as well.Worth renting or buying on DVD.
haganthomas-1
I am not sure what the purpose of this film, The Heart Of Me, a remade The Wings Of The Dove also starring Helena Bonham Carter is but it is pale in comparison however more true to life it could be. Where Wings is heart wrenching Heart is shocking and maybe just a romantic vehicle for Paul Bettany to inspire all possible fans. The Heart Of Me and The Wings Of The Dove are kind of like the double play of Dangerous Liaisons, which I prefer, to Valmont. However if you like romantic tragedy or character weakness with listen dialog The Heart of Me is quite possible for you. Helena Bonham Carter normally a fairly good actress in these period pieces seems absolutely lost and not sure what her character is to accomplish and she comes across that way, unsympathetic where in Wings on course she has the part in her hands. Olivia Williams new to me acquits herself well but still Paul Bettany seems to be the target or missing portion of The Heart Of Me not sure his character is growing or coming out of hiding. Therefore my conclusion is Bettany vehicle not near as good as Linus Roache vehicle, The Wings Of The Dove. Still worth a look for shock value and character assessment.
peter-300
This film reminded me of those drawing room dramas that used to play in English theatres in the 1940s and 1950s - like a Noel Coward, with more sex but not a trace of wit. The characters are not engaging, and are played without much in the way of flair. Williams is starchy, Bonham-Carter is flighty but weary (the usual thing - I think this probably just how she is in the flesh), Bettany is agonisingly caught between the two. His is the best performance of the three, but his skilful portrayal of suffering is not enough to carry the piece. This was an odd adaptation for the BBC et al to plump for. Surely there are still better period novels out there still awaiting adaptation for the screen.
AD
