The Golden Bowl
USA/France/UK, 2000. Directed by James Ivory, scenario by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala adapted from a novel by Henry James. Starring Uma Thurman, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Northam, Nick Nolte and Anjelica Houston.
In English, 130 minutes, rated R. Lions Gate Films.

With its stunning costumes, breathtaking outdoor settings and character-driven scenario, The Golden Bowl contains all the elements of the trademark Merchant-Ivory period-piece style. Yet after seeing the team's latest production, an adaptation of Henry James' "The Golden Bowl", one can only wonder if the celebrated duo has become yet another victim of the mainstream's pressure. The movie is contrived at times, out of character at others, and ultimately feels like a stylistic exercise, making the two-plus hours of screen time drag on.