Based on Kazuo Ishiguro, award-winning novel, The Remains of the Day is a riveting two-hour drama that grasps at the evening light of an era gone by.
The focus of the story is a middle-aged butler in a British household. Mr. Stevens, played masterfully by Anthony Hopkins, has served at Darlington estate almost all his life. However, the second world war brings the winds of change to England, specifically in Mr. Stevens’s life. Lord Darlington’s Nazi sympathies have him out of his home, and an American politician takes over the estate. The American, Mr. Farraday (Christopher Reeves is a non-Superman role!) suggests that Mr. Stevens take a vacation, a road trip to adjust to the change.
Mr. Stevens decides to visit the former housekeeper of Darlington Hall, Miss Keaton. On his drive, he reminisces about the times under his old Master, Lord Darlington (James Fox) before the war started.
The Remains of the Day is essentially a character sketch of Stevens. The central theme is the core quality of dignity that Mr/ Stevens possesses and must possess to become a great butler. This quality is so important that it defines his relationship with his master, his staff, his father, and his ability to love. It’s his very existence. His work comes above everything else, at the price of relationships and his own happiness.
Directed by award-winning James Ivory, the movie takes us into the world of stuffy, luxurious noble English households. Mostly shot indoors to indicate the closed, controlled world of downstairs help, the frame is punctuated with beautiful visuals of the English countryside.
Anthony Hopkin’s performance is sublime. Without moving a muscle, his face expresses depths not spoken. One can’t help but feel sorry for Mr. Stevens by the movie’s end. He has spent his life pursuing an ideal no longer is relevant. Emma Thompson as Miss Keaton is the bright light in this slightly gloomy production. Every scene between them is crackling with chemistry. Two of my favorites among them are discussing a book and the moment when they decide to stop their evening conferences.
Slow, earnest, and thought-provoking, The Remains of the day is perfect for a quiet, weekend afternoon.
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Good review. As I said to you, this movie was very true to the book and most scenes were very close to the book. I’d suggest that you should read the book too. BTW, it was not Harrington. It’s Lord Darlington.
Oops..I am just going to fix that. For some reason the name that stuck in my head was “Harrington”
After reading the review, feel like reading the book. Kapil is a seasonal reader like me.
Mr. Stevens reminds me of Jeeves who is also an epitome of your conventional butlers…the know all but silent, dignified gentleman’s gentleman who ensure that their master stands above all else. I wonder why I get a sense of gloominess from the review though 😉 Like they say, its so hard to find trusted butlers or maids anymore!
@Mom – you should watch the movie – I think you will like it
@Zoya – Yes you are right about the gloominess – this movie does not have a very happy ending