Before The Mile-High Club, Fiennes Fornicated In The Desert
October 15th 2007 21:33
Ralph Fiennes may now be best known for his sexual involvement with an undercover policewoman-cum-prostitute-cu m-flight attendant in the toilet of a Qantas aeroplane, but the reason said woman got her knickers off in the first place was because – she says – of his prowess in The English Patient.
We will assume it was the flashback scenes that did it for her, and not the parts where he has a melted face, though I suspect she would have slept with him as Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter provided she could still sell her story for the highest possible price.
Personally, I think Fiennes gets it right all the way through the Anthony Minghella epic. He pulls off the dangerous and desperate edged intensity well for a skinny man with such a refined accent. He did the same thing as a slightly less skinny German in Schindler’s List, but it’s the motivations of the characters and the way the story sequence works that puts The English Patient ahead for me.
As Count László, Ralph Fiennes is utterly compelling. He is arrogant, impulsive, derisive, passionate and at times, brooding. Leading with Kristen Scott Thomas, and supported by Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Colin Firth and Naveen Andrews, Fiennes gives a performance not to be forgotten. (Lisa Robertson agrees wholeheartedly.)
Set in World War II, this vivid tale of romance is strongly thematic of division and unity across borders and cultural difference. It is particularly reflected in the title of the film, as the ‘patient’ referred to is both presumed English and suspected of being German, when he is in fact Hungarian. The symbolism of boundaries – geographical, social, cultural and emotional – pervades the story throughout.
Although the film deviates from the true facts of the life of Count László de Almásy, and most notably from the book by Michael Ondaatje, Minghella took great pains to ensure that the adaptation met with the author’s approval. And with its stunning cinematography and dramatic score, captivating narrative and stirring performances, I can say without question that it has my approval too.
Michaelie Clark
We will assume it was the flashback scenes that did it for her, and not the parts where he has a melted face, though I suspect she would have slept with him as Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter provided she could still sell her story for the highest possible price.
Ralph Fiennes. Image courtesy of frivolouspeople.com
As Count László, Ralph Fiennes is utterly compelling. He is arrogant, impulsive, derisive, passionate and at times, brooding. Leading with Kristen Scott Thomas, and supported by Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Colin Firth and Naveen Andrews, Fiennes gives a performance not to be forgotten. (Lisa Robertson agrees wholeheartedly.)
Intensity of forbidden love. Image courtesy of filmreference.com
Set in World War II, this vivid tale of romance is strongly thematic of division and unity across borders and cultural difference. It is particularly reflected in the title of the film, as the ‘patient’ referred to is both presumed English and suspected of being German, when he is in fact Hungarian. The symbolism of boundaries – geographical, social, cultural and emotional – pervades the story throughout.
Although the film deviates from the true facts of the life of Count László de Almásy, and most notably from the book by Michael Ondaatje, Minghella took great pains to ensure that the adaptation met with the author’s approval. And with its stunning cinematography and dramatic score, captivating narrative and stirring performances, I can say without question that it has my approval too.
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I'm the Orble wowser, someone should have warned you. But, c'est la vie, I figured I owed you one, and you're so lovely, those lips, those teeth, and so witty, to boot.
I just can't give you the flick....wit.
katyzzz
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I hope you don't give me the 'flick', although I can't guarantee all purity and light in the future - after all, that's not the nature of life. But I don't swear in my posts, or write in a manner any more suggestive than a slightly ribald newspaper opinion piece - certainly nothing more risque than this, anyway, I should think!
Thank you again, your compliments made me blush - and I'll try not to make you blush too much from now on!
Michaelie
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
He's not a bad looking fellow though is the old Ralph Fiennes.
And I for one, loved the first paragraph!! You're spot on with that flight attendent. And you're right, she would have slept with him no matter what she thought of him so that she could sell her story!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Alas, it looks like I have failed to convince you of its glory. Lol. Not to worry.
Yes, he isn't bad, though it's hard not to think of his unsavoury bathroom habits whenever his name comes up. He has very piercing eyes - but then so does his brother, Joseph, and he only takes the cookies and the champers on offer in first class!
Thanks for the complimentary comment Kylie!
Michaelie
Comment by Aimzster
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I truly LOVE The English Patient (as you can probably tell), but it seems not everone else does (as I had assumed)!
Yes he was also very good in Schindler, though he was a mean one! Same sort of intensity though.
Thanks Aimzster, always a pleasure!
Michaelie
Comment by JoH
I obviously can't see what Lisa Robertson saw in him. AND I definitely can't see what he saw in HER! What a couple of desperados!
Comment by Krystal
feelings
Well done, I'm sweet and innocent (unfortunately) but such things don't make me blush and I feel sure katyzzz isn't blushing either, it's just the seamy side of life we don't like but who hasn't heard that story.
All that talent and such a 'low life'. Life can be funny that way.
Great post, Michaelie and there are few posts that appeal to everyone, diversity is the way to go.
Crystal
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I can see why she went after him - but I CANNOT understand why he would go for her. Terrible!
Thanks for the comment,
Michaelie
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
ah I loved this movie too. I love the flying over the dunes at the start. Mr Fiennes is a bit of a hottie which makes it even easier to watch.
I`d like to read the book one day, although I hear his style is a little 'different' in this one.
Ash
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Glad you loved it,and I adore that bit too - and when it shows the figures drawn in the cave...
He has a certian je ne sais quoi that's for sure.
The book is very different, but worth reading... Minghella changed a lot but with the approval of Ondaatje as I understand it.
They are both beautiful.
Thanks Ash, for visiting!
Michaelie