Last week I posted about this month’s Wall Street Journal Book Club choice, Evelyn Waugh’s A Handful of Dust. My public library had a copy of the 1988 film version so I watched that. The cast is impressive: James Wilby as Tony Last, Kristin Scott Thomas as Brenda Last, Rupert Graves as John Beaver, Anjelica Huston as Mrs. Rattery, Judi Dench as Mrs. Beaver, and Alec Guinness as Mr. Todd. But Waugh’s story of Bad Decisions and the tragic consequences still casts a pall over this work. As Roger Ebert said, “A Handful of Dust” has more cruelty in it than a dozen violent Hollywood thrillers, and it is all expressed so quietly, almost politely. GRADE: B
I don’t think I have ever seen this one. Not sure why.
Patti, this version of A HANDFUL OF DUST is very well done. But, like the novel, it’s grim.
Yes, it is grim. Nasty stuff.
Jeff, I’ve detected an undercurrent of cruelty and despair in all of Waugh’s work. Sometimes it’s obvious, sometimes it’s not. But it’s always there.
The wit helps, in both making the point and taking it. THE LOVED ONE was my first Waugh…and first film of his work, a coupla/few years later.
Todd, I loved THE LOVED ONE for its snarkiness.
The cast IS impressive.
I didn’t know (or maybe I did and forgot) this was a film. I’ll watch for it.
Beth, the cast is terrific! A HANDFUL OF DUST is worth seeking out.
Kristin Scott Thomas is a fine actress. I have seen her in a few films.
Prashant, Kristen Scott Thomas is one of my favorites, too. She’s a woman who makes Bad Choices in this film.