Cast
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Ralph Fiennes
as Oscar Hopkins
Cate Blanchett
as Lucinda Leplastrier
Ciarán Hinds
as Reverend Dennis Hasset
Tom Wilkinson
as Hugh Stratton
Richard Roxburgh
as Mr. Jeffries
Christian Manon
as Mr. Tomasetti
Clive Russell
as Theophilus
Barnaby Kay
as Wardley-Fish
Linda Bassett
as Betty Stratton
Geoffrey Rush
as Narrator (voice)
Basil Clarke
as Elderly Parishoner
Andrea Moor
as Miss Shaddock
Bille Brown
as Percy Smith
Josephine Byrnes
as Miriam Chadwick
Barry Otto
as Jimmy D'Abbs
Crew
Director
- Gillian Armstrong
Producer
- Robin Dalton
- Timothy White
Reviews
CinemaSerf
This is a wonderfully good looking film with two strong performances from Ralph Fiennes ("Hopkins") and Cate Blanchett ("Lucinda"). The former is a bit of a loner being raised by his rather puritanical Pentecostal father. He absconds into the care of Anglican "Stratton" (Tom Wilkinson) who arranges for him to obtain an university education. Thing is, this brightly red haired lad doesn't really fit in, and is soon far more focussed on his rather effective system of gambling. Meantime, the latter, an Australian, has inherited a substantial fortune and invested it in a glass making factory (glass still being a bit of a luxury in 1850s Australia). When the two meet on a boat they realise that their isolation from society at large (and their fondness for a turn at the cards) gives them plenty in common and their relationship burgeons. When the two come up with a fairly outrageous wager between them - that they can build a church entirely of glass and ship it up-country to the remote town inhabited by preacher "Hassett" (Ciarán Hinds) the adventure elements hot up a little. The problem for me here, is that though the film looks lovely - and plenty of attention to detail has been payed to the costumes and general aesthetic, the story is really pretty weak. It tries to tackle issues of lonesomeness, religious bigotry and of the somewhat un-emancipated role of women in both Britain and Australia at the time, but somehow the thing never quite catches fire. It is paced very gently, and there are just too many characters to try to keep track of - the focus meanders a little too much, and the ending didn't make too much sense to me. I did quite enjoy watching it, and Blanchett is on good form - but I don't know that I would bother again.
Aug 27, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Oscar and Lucinda examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Gillian Armstrong brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Oscar and Lucinda took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $16.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 132 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 205 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Oscar and Lucinda shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Hottest State, which focuses more on action than character development, Oscar and Lucinda subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Jammed and Morvern Callar explore similar territory, Oscar and Lucinda stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 31, 1997
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Budget: $16,000,000
- Revenue: $1,897,404
