wes-connors
Almost any scene of this film, shown in isolation, would suggest it is a masterpiece. But, the entire movie is setting -- a story never really happens. Director Terrance Davies, cinematographer Michael Coulter, and actor Leigh McCormack create very beautiful, sad world for a sensitive boy named Bud. The film is flawless, but don't expect a traditional film plot. "The Long Day Closes" is like watching a piece of art; sometimes the camera lingers over images so long, it's like you're looking at a still picture.Watching the film, in one sitting, I thought the "Tammy" part was a highlight -- it had me guessing about where "Bud" was: church, school
It also moved the setting up to 1957 (I looked up the Debbie Reynolds movie); earlier, I thought the film might take place in the 1940s. Marjorie Yates and the supporting cast were wonderful. The "crucifixion" scene was most startling; it suggests Christianity may have inflicted more harm than good, on this family. Still, nothing really happened to get me interested what was going on, in the story, I am only a child, myself. I will, absolutely watch for the name Terence Davies, and look for his other work; he is a phenomenal filmmaker, obviously. ******* The Long Day Closes (5/22/92) Terence Davies ~ Leigh McCormack, Marjorie Yates, Anthony Watson
Swithin
This quiet, thoughtful gem of a movie depicts the life of a boy and his family in the north of England in the mid 1950s. It reflects, perhaps, the childhood of the filmmaker, Terence Davies, and the importance that movies can have on one's development. The sounds and images of the film are stunning. They include Nat King Cole's "Stardust Memories;" an audio excerpt from "The Ladykillers" -- "Mrs. Wilberforce, I understand you have rooms to let...;" -- and a lengthy scene consisting of an overhead tracking shot -- kids in school, church, and the cinema. The audio for that scene is the song "Tammy," sung by Debbie Reynolds."The Long Day Closes" depicts in a particularly effective and evocative way, the cinema as a place of worship and a source of inspiration.
coolbluegreen
This was, without a doubt, the most boring movie I ever saw, and that includes Shanghai Surprise and Maid in Manhattan. I think this film is supposed to be deep and meaningful, but it is basically a plot-less slice of life. It drags, and drags, and drags. I had no idea why I was watching it. There was no plot! It was stultifying! Don't watch it!
Bockharn
By some definition, this is a great film. It is as "still" as any movie I've ever seen (rivaled, perhaps, only by BARRY LYNDON), meditative, thoughtful. The soundtrack of pop tunes is part of the content of the film: remembered music, remembered frights, remembered ease. Director Terence Davies, in recalling his youth in Britain in the 1950s, has filmed a metaphor for growing up that resembles TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, plus color, minus the melodrama. This film will definitely not be to everyone's taste, but for those who are of the right age and sensibility, it may be a transforming experience.
AD
