“Mary Reilly 1996” is a dark and brooding film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. The story follows the titular Mary, a maid in Dr. Jekyll’s household, as she becomes increasingly entangled in the doctor’s twisted experiments and the violent actions of his alter ego, Mr. Hyde. The film is a Gothic masterpiece, filled with haunting imagery and eerie soundscapes that perfectly capture the oppressive atmosphere of Victorian London. With stunning performances from Julia Roberts as Mary and John Malkovich as both Jekyll and Hyde, “Mary Reilly” is an unforgettable journey into the depths of human depravity and desperation.
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Review
In the year 1996, the big screen graced itself with yet another British production, the movie Mary Reilly. Based on the book of the same name by Valerie Martin, this film aims to tell the story of Dr Henry Jekyll and Mr Edward Hyde through the eyes of a housemaid named Mary Reilly. Directed by Stephen Frears and written by Christopher Hampton, Mary Reilly takes a unique approach to retelling this classic horror tale.
The film opens with an introduction to Mary Reilly. We see her working as a maid in a large, gloomy Victorian mansion where she encounters her employer, Dr Jekyll. Throughout the film, we learn more about Mary’s past as we witness her interactions with Dr Jekyll and his sinister associate Mr Hyde. The story is brought to life by strong performances from leading actors Julia Roberts and John Malkovich.
While some fans of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic horror novella may be disappointed that some of its iconic moments have been left out or altered in Mary Reilly, others will appreciate how it provides an alternative perspective on this terrifying tale.
The first thing that strikes viewers about Mary Reilly is its somber atmosphere. From the opening shot of the movie, we are greeted with a bleak image of London in winter. This morose ambience runs throughout the film, giving it an oppressive feel that sets it apart from other period dramas.
One particular scene where this atmosphere is especially effective is when Mary is forced to visit Mr Hyde alone in his dingy cellar apartment. The mood is unnerving and tense as we watch her interact with this man who seems so out-of-place in this prim Victorian society.
This scene also allows us to see how brilliant John Malkovich’s portrayal of Mr Hyde really is. He brings a subtle sense of menace to his character that makes viewers squirm in their seats.
Another standout performance can be seen from Julia Roberts as Mary Reilly. Her character is understated, but Roberts expresses a great deal through her facial expressions and body language. We can feel Mary’s inner turmoil as she struggles to reconcile her loyalty to Dr Jekyll with her fear of Mr Hyde.
In addition to the acting, the movie also boasts a strong score by composer George Fenton. His haunting score adds an extra layer of mood to the already solemn atmosphere. The combination of the score and the cinematography create an unforgettable viewing experience.
While Mary Reilly may not have received as much critical acclaim as some of Stephen Frears’ other films, it remains a unique and compelling addition to the genre of horror movies. Its success lies in its ability to put a fresh spin on a classic tale without sacrificing its terrifying essence.
Despite being panned by critics, Mary Reilly still has its fans that appreciate its innovative take on this classic horror story. In fact, it was nominated for Best Art Direction at the 1997 Academy Awards.
Overall, Mary Reilly is a must-watch for lovers of period dramas and horror movies alike. Its brooding atmosphere, exceptional performances, stunning score and cinematography paint an unforgettable picture of Victorian England’s dark past.
Technical Data
- Release : 1996-02-23
- Runtime : 104
- Genre : Drama, Horror, Thriller
- Cast : Julia Roberts as Mary Reilly, John Malkovich as Dr. Henry Jekyll / Edward Hyde, George Cole as Mr. Poole, Michael Gambon as Mary’s Father, Glenn Close as Mrs. Farraday
- Crew : Iain Smith as Co-Producer, Juliet Taylor as Casting, Philippe Rousselot as Director of Photography, George Fenton as Original Music Composer, Lesley Walker as Editor
- Revenue : $12,379,402
- Budget : $47,000,000
- Company : NFH Films, TriStar Pictures
- Popularity : 12.618
- Summary : A housemaid falls in love with Dr. Jekyll and his darkly mysterious counterpart, Mr. Hyde.
- Tagline : The untold story of Jekyll and Hyde
