Customer Reviews

Dead [Import]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Huston was 81 years old when he directed this masterpiece. Actually, he never saw the well-deserved accolades and admiration this movie received; sadly, he died four months before the film was released.

It is based on a very poignant story written by James Joyce and it has two segments: The first part is a big family get-together. The time is 1905 and during the Epiphany dinner we witness to lots of dialogues and discussions among the members of the family and friends; some serious and some very silly. Later same night, after the guests leave, we get a chance to enter the private lives of a couple: The Conroys. This is the second and highly private component of the story. The husband is played by great Donal McCann and the wife is fabulous Anjelica Huston. This couple is part of the family and we realize that there are several serious issues and events that have never been discussed between them. This time we have the privilege to see a close-up of a couple.

I will not reveal any more. This is definitely an exceptionally good work-of-art. What makes it even more special is the fact that the scenario is written by Tony Huston, John Huston's son. The leading actor, as I indicated earlier, is Anjelica Huston, John Huston's daughter.

A great Family Affair. A great film.

Why is it such a gem of a movie is so difficult to obtain?

I saw the scene of Anjelica Huston on the stairs when I was in college (the professor showed it to us when teaching "Dubliners"). I later decided to rent it and was happy with it.

This year, before my first day of work (I work in a school district), I treated myself to an Irish coffee and read "The Dead" before bed. Forgetting how much I truly enjoyed this story, I decided that I must own the movie.

I searched unsuccessfully throughout the area although did manage to secure a copy through Amazon. What a treat to watch this visual masterpiece. Although we do not have the benefit of Gabriel's musings until the end, we can see the pretentiousness and elitism, where his own image superscedes what is importance. The dancing, music, conversation, and dinner are so mirthful, yet so very artificial. Yet, it isin the hotel room after the party that reality thrust upon us. The illusion of immortality is crushed as Gretta (Angelica Huston) shares the tragedy of a lost love. One does not feel protected in the hotel room, one feels cold, much as it is outside in the snow. The contrast, the emotions stirred, are so very tremendous that few movies are able to match. Unfortunately, many will find the movie to be a sharp yawn and a prelude to falling asleep. The thoughtful viewer (and pronounced James Joyce admirer) will see this as a treat to behold. I am so very lucky to have this for my bookshelf and believe I shall treat myself to it quite regularly!

I am reminded somehow of "An Irish Airman Meets His Death" when I see this wonderful movie-tale. There is an inherent hesitation in its flow -- until the very ending, when Joyce reveals his simple thrust: there are more things in heaven and earth....
The acting is superb. A period-piece, each member of the cast fits into his/her place with perfection. The themes before the End commemorate Humanity. The End commemorates all of them together: lost (or unrequited) love.
I love Irish music and its often heart-rending simplicity (some I know call it 'boozy sentimentality; I disagree). This film has much music, sentimental, subjective and, yes, very, very subtle. The admixture moves one's heart -- and, maybe, one's soul.
This one should be in a thoughtful person's video archive. On wintry nights, when the hearth has lessened to embers awaiting their deaths -- we ought to think of what this film has to say: to all of us.

Do not buy this video if you do not enjoy movies made with delicacy and wistful melancholy -- it is short, has no real plot and features no special effects. Yet this movie stands as one of the best ever -- it weaves a spell over you, and captivates your every sense. We are treated to the visual trimmings of a holiday feast, along with the Irish folk music that will, just when you least expect it, turn your expectations upside down. The lively characterizations of every player in this movie bring it to vivid life; it's as if you have entered a Christmas card, and can taste, smell and feel everything around you. That James Joyce's story revolves essentially around a simple, but devastating revelation, is what makes it brilliant. So many times in this movie the obvious gives way to more specific visions: as one of the many, many colorful ladies speaks at her party, we are brought inside a bedroom, where we linger with the camera on objects -- picture frames, combs, etc., that spark the imagination and underscore the proceedings with a singluar clarity. Angelica Huston is magically compelling, and the final monologue, delivered with subtle power, will haunt your memory.

james joyce would be proud of this production. All the elements come together into bringing this literary masterpiece to film. A must see for anyone who cares about literature.

Incredibly moving, emotionally powerful, and compelling even after many viewings. A rare and truly wonderful film... when will be be able to buy it on DVD?

This is a hushed and moody film version of the famous Joyce story. Those looking for action and non-stop plot will be disappointed. For intelligent viewers, the acting and directing are first rate. The ending is very sad and unforgettable.

All the Hustons are bloody geniuses (Walter, John, Angelica), and here you get two of 'em in a beautiful realization of a great, haunting story. I wish this would come to DVD, including the short documentary on its making. A privilege to watch.

This is one of the few films I have seen that stays close to the original story. It brings Joyce's timeless masterpiece to visual life, and will be appreciated by any Joyce fan or lover of refined cinema. A pity only a few people I have met have seen this movie

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It is definitely not an action movie in the usual sense, but there is a lot of emotional turmoil going on inside all of the characters, especially Gabriel and Greta. Life, love, death, identity and the passage of time are all eloquently interwoven in this film as they were in Joyce's short story. The final scene, in which Greta tells her husband for the first time about a boy who loved her passionately in her youth, is one I watch over and over, even if I skip the rest of the movie--it's an emotionally wrenching and exhilarating scene. A lovely, thought-provoking film whose images will stay with you for a long time to come.