THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 8, 1996 TAG: 9602080030
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Movie Review
SOURCE: BY MAL VINCENT, MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
THE CAST of ``Restoration'' is all dressed up with plenty of places to go.
Before it's over, this opulent period epic has gone from palace parties to ruin and degradation - only to finally wind itself back to the title ``Restoration.'' It's a lot to cram into one movie, but, in this case, excess can be entertaining.
Robert Downey Jr., with that hangdog look of mock petulance, is perfectly cast as a party-time physician named Robert Merivel who weaves himself into the depraved court of Charles II, commonly known as ``The Merry Monarch.'' After kicking Oliver Cromwell and his Puritans out, England, in the mid-1660s, is ready to party again.
Sam Neill, an actor who is usually rather uptight, lends a wry, tongue-in-cheek presence to the monarch.
Downey's medicinal bent attracts attention when he dares to touch an exposed heart - in a rather gruesome scene. The king subsequently summons him to the palace to minister to his ailing pooch. When Merivel cures the doggie, he's invited to stay on - and make merry. He goes wild, running about wearing only a feather and wine stains.
Eventually, the king finds a new use for him: cover-up. Merivel is forced to marry Celia, the king's mistress. He is to be merely a ``paper bridegroom.''
The king plans to do all the lovemaking while the lady's husband gives her his name only. Things go predictably awry when Merivel wants to act more like a real husband. He's thrown out of palace and court.
It's here that the movie takes an abrupt turn toward the dark side. In fact, the second half looks like a different film. It switches from comedy to melodrama. In rapid succession, we have the plague of 1665, multiple deaths and the Great Fire of London.
The movie never quite comes back.
The woeful second half is a bit much to take, but the theme is obvious: Suffering will make us better - perhaps even bring us redemption. One hates to recommend debauchery over suffering, but, you'll have to admit, the first half is a good deal more fun.
Polly Walker is lovely as the fought-over mistress, Celia. Known primarily for her presence in the hit ``Enchanted April,'' she has the rare distinction of being the actress who turned down the role of Scarlett O'Hara (It went to Joanne Whaley-Kilmer in the dismal ``GWTW'' TV sequel).
David Thewlis is cast as ``best friend'' and is largely wasted. (In a film called ``Naked,'' he turned in one of the best performances of recent years.) Sir Ian McKellen is Merivel's wise adviser. (His role is sort of what John Gielgud was to Dudley Moore's equally debauched ``Arthur.'') This gives us something to watch while we wait for McKellen's highly touted performance in the upcoming ``Richard III.''
Two stars have surprisingly effective minor roles. Meg Ryan is cast as Merivel's tragic love, an Irish lass who is afflicted with both a mental problem and a bad wig. For once, she is not required to be pert or energetic.
Hugh Grant, complete with beauty spots, is hilarious as a foppish painter who keeps tattling to the king.
Look for this one to be the major contender for a costume design Oscar. (``Sense and Sensibility'' will be its competition.) The production is surprisingly opulent for a film with such a restricted budget. The British locations, including palaces and cobblestone streets, are used effectively. James Newton Howard's score adds some sweep.
``Restoration'' is half fun and half redemption. Since you have to take both halves, you might as well go for it. Costume epics are rare these days. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MIRAMAX FILMS
Robert Downey Jr., left, as Dr. Merivel, Sam Neill as King Charles
II and Polly Walker as Celia in ``Restoration.''
Graphic
MOVIE REVIEW
``Restoration''
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Sam Neill, Polly Walker, Meg Ryan, Hugh
Grant, Ian McKellen,
Director: Michael Hoffman
Screenplay: Rupert Walters, based on a novel by Rose Tremain
Music: James Newton Howard
MPAA rating: R (nudity, debauchery)
Mal's rating: three and 1/2 stars
Locations: Lynnhaven Mall, Virginia Beach (upper level)
by CNB