The Human Stain (DVD)

...a rather hysterical reference to the sexual exploits of the former President Bill Clinton, this film follows the last years of an elderly man (Anthony Hopkins) who is accused of racism. When faced with the shocking accusation over the word "spook" he is forced to resign. Confronted by the stress of such a situation his wife is deftly dispatched by a heart attack within the first ten minutes of the film. He spends five years searching for ...
...to write the story of the injustice that led to the "murder" of his "great love". Through a poignant patch of his modern day affair with the sexy but mysterious Fuella (Kidman) and various flashbacks referring to his late mother and various other elements of his life, the story of the human stain begins to weave its magic.

Every character has a twist in their background. Hopkins character isn't all that he seems ... more

Starting out with a rather hysterical reference to the sexual exploits of the former President Bill Clinton, this film follows the last years of an elderly man (Anthony Hopkins) who is accused of racism. When faced with the shocking accusation over the word "spook" he is forced to resign. Confronted by the stress of such a situation his wife is deftly dispatched by a heart attack within the first ten minutes of the film. He spends five years searching for justice, before going to a rather pointless character (Gary Sinesse) to write the story of the injustice that led to the "murder" of his "great love". Through a poignant patch of his modern day affair with the sexy but mysterious Fuella (Kidman) and various flashbacks referring to his late mother and various other elements of his life, the story of the human stain begins to weave its magic.

Every character has a twist in their background. Hopkins character isn't all that he seems to be, and although never pretentious, spins his life into a situation that belies the biggest element of his beginnings. Always superb, Anthony Hopkins lends his character a sympathetic side so much so that you forgive the character's deceit when the final twist is revealed. That said, the twist is far more subtle than anything M Night Shymalan could ever hope to dream up, and for that is far more believable. Kidman just keeps getting better and better. In this, her character is one to be reviled. Its not until her psychotic husband shows up that we find out just why she is such a cold loveless creature, and due to the ensuing revelation we see a more sympathetic side to her, and an insight into why she has become the person that she has. The relationship between the two leads never fully unravels into a comfortable watch, but despite that, is always absolutely rivetting. And although, it may not be the roles of either Kidman or Hopkins careers, it certainly wont do their careers any harm. Kidman astounds with a truly composed performance that even when histrionics are required she does it with such believability and dignity that you will have hairs stand on your neck whilst Hopkins can sleepwalk through roles like this.

Visually the film is magnetic without any need for special effects, or great lavish sets. The supporting cast may not act the leads of the screen but without them the film would be less complete. The script never resorts to cliches or poor dialogue despite the fact that Hollywood is infamous for botching this type of project up. What we are left with is a film that will leave a lasting impresson on you. Available from all good DVD retailers - for the best prices go to www.kelkoo.co.uk. 

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