nell

Reviewed by Mike Crowl

Not many modern films leave the audience sitting in silence at the end. But when Nell came to its conclusion, the audience remained hushed, contemplative. This is all the more remarkable since Nell is not an outstanding film; it has a number of holes in the plot, and the characters are not drawn with great depth. Nevertheless, Director Michael Apted has made it with integrity, and with a respect towards human beings that is rare in recent films.

The story concerns a "wild woman," who, unfamiliar with modern life, is left on her own in an isolated forest cottage when her mother dies. She speaks a language that at first appears to have nothing to do with English, and her behaviour is unusual and sometimes fearful. The local doctor and a clinical psychologist from the city combine together, (after some initial wrangling), to decide what should be done with her.

Jodie Foster, as Nell, gives a performance of great intensity - it has won her an Oscar nomination. She is the heart of this film, keeping the audience with her even in scenes that are not at first easily understood.

Her co-stars, Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson, are skilful enough, though he is required to do little more than look morose, and she to "put on a happy face at all times." The film has a tenderness about it, and with a couple of exceptions, the characters are gentle, unaggressive people.

Even the Bible and death are treated for once without mockery. One scene with a group of teenage boys is offensive, however, and the film contains some nudity. Generally speaking, this is done without exploiting the characters.

Beyond all the other positive factors is the cinematography by Dante Spinotti. This film revels in the beauty of creation. So don't wait for it to come out on video: the breathtaking wide-screen shots need to be seen in all their glory, not cropped on the small screen.

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