Love and Death on Long Island (1997) YTS

Reviewed by CinemaSerf 7 / 10

“Giles De’Ath” (John Hurt) is a rather reclusive

“Giles De’Ath” (John Hurt) is a rather reclusive writer who has largely shunned publicity until he goes to the cinema and inadvertently finds himself watching a piece of throwaway teen nonsense starring heartthrob “Ronnie” (Jason Priestly). For reasons that he can’t immediately explain this recently widowed gent finds himself enthralled by this young man and has soon bought himself a VCR (without knowing he needed a television too), then signed up at his local Blockbuster to rent just about every bit of pulp this lad has graced. Now entirely entranced, he travels to Long Island, takes a room in a motel and plans to ingratiate himself with his girlfriend “Audrey” (Fiona Loewi). His arrival proves well timed as the young superstar is having some doubts about what to do next. Seeing his chance, “De’Ath” begins to use his Britishness to espouse the virtues of Shakespeare and his abilities to entertain those in the bear pit to convince “Ronnie” that he, too, could become a Thespian. “Ronnie” begins to lap this all up but, gradually, “Audrey” begins to tire of his increasing interloping into their lives and with the author now somewhat besotted, what possible outcome can emerge? Hurt is in his element here sporting his stiff upper lip, his perfectly tailored tweeds and captivating his naive young quarry with his perfect command of the English language. Priestly? Well he’s more of a model with lines than an actor. Thoughtfully strolling along the beach in his pristine white linen, playing with his dog, beautiful home and girlfriend - he epitomises the beauty that made so many a star without really the talent to support any sort of longevity once the fickle audience had moved onto the next poster person. Some of the dialogue from Hurt is considered and quite poignant as he deals not only with his own fairly steep emotional (and technological) learning curve but with an infatuation that takes a firm grip on his heart and his soul. I didn’t love the conclusion. Perhaps because it was never going to satisfy, but along the way John Hurt provides us with a characterful performance.

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Reviewed by MeYesMe 9 / 10

A gem of a film

After viewing this film I wished it was 20 years ago, back when you were allowed to just stay in your chair and see the show a second time.

John Hurt is astounding as an English author who discovers beauty the last place he'd expect to find it - in an American "B" movie actor's performances. Hurt's character, Dr. De'Ath, is a true original, totally out of step with the 20th century. He simply had no need nor interest in modernizing his ways. He stumbles upon the work of Ronnie Bostock (Jason Priestley, in a heckuva good, self-effacing performance) and sees in him talent and passion. That's about all I can say without going too far into plot - but if I were able to physically compel people to see it, I certainly would. It's a lovely piece of work.

Love and Death on Long Island

1997

Action / Comedy / Drama

Love and Death on Long Island

1997

Action / Comedy / Drama

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Movie Reviews

“Giles De’Ath” (John Hurt) is a rather reclusive

A gem of a film

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