THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 3, 1996 TAG: 9607030070
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Movie Review
SOURCE: BY MAL VINCENT, MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: 57 lines
``MOLL FLANDERS'' is a literate and intelligent film that deserves better than it is likely to get amid the superficial movies of summer 1996.
As a period piece, set in the class system of London in the 1700s, it is cruelly beautiful in its ability to capture the look and feel of times past. It is a reminder of a time when movies regularly transported us to historical settings, a time before producers became obsessed with the concrete jungles of today.
Based on ``the character from the novel by Daniel Defoe'' rather than on the novel itself, Moll has her share of hardships. Born in prison, she escapes her oppressive convent life only to face equally oppressive years as a prostitute. When she does find true love, it is in the arms of a struggling artist. It is a dark trip, and one that will take fortitude from moviegoers who could be relaxing with the alien attacks of ``Independence Day.''
In Defoe's version, Moll ends up living happily in Virginia, but this, after all, does not even claim to be a re-creation of the novel. Pen Densham, who both directed and wrote the script, seems to be trying to make up for his dim-witted script for Kevin Costner's ``Robin Hood'' by drawing from such sources as Henry Fielding, Voltaire and the engravings of Hogarth to give this version weight.
Unlike ``Forever Amber'' and other ``Moll Flanders'' versions, the heroine doesn't use her feminine wiles to become rich and famous in a fleshy R-rated romp. This version of Moll is closer to PBS' Masterpiece Theater than it is to ``Tom Jones.'' It is much, much better than the regrettable 1965 film ``The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders'' with Kim Novak.
Robin Wright, in the title role, proves conclusively that she can carry a film. Wright was one of the primary reasons ``Forrest Gump'' worked, and she should have received an Oscar nomination for it. Her work is even better here.
Morgan Freeman, in a bit of casting that gives an unusual nod to the ethnic diversity of the era, gives his usual low-key and responsible treatment to the role of Moll's trusted friend.
The film is almost stolen by Stockard Channing's flamboyant portrayal of Mrs. Allworthy, the unscrupulous madam who uses her girls to gain wealth.
The most surprising performance, though, is that of young Aisling Corcoran who, as Moll's feisty daughter, turns in the best juvenile performance since Anna Paquin in ``The Piano.''
There is a happy ending - revealed early in the movie - but in view of all the suffering we have to endure along the way, we only wish we could have shared more of the good times. ``Moll Flanders'' is an admirable effort but still a bit difficult to sit through. MOVIE REVIEW
``Moll Flanders''
Cast: Robin Wright, Morgan Freeman, Stockard Channing, John Lynch, Brenda Fricker, Geraldine James, Aisling Corcoran
Director/Screenwriter: Pen Densham
MPAA rating: R (brief nudity, sexual situations but literate treatment)
Mal's rating: three stars
Location: Columbus Movies 12 in Virginia Beach by CNB