...and I loved it! It's not your typical period drama, yes the clothes are lovely and the photography is gorgeous, but there lies within Cheri a certain emotional muteness/distance that is rarely found in these sorts of films. Afterall, melodrama is usually the biggest draw for the genre and yet Cheri sidesteps those staples and, ironically, has a bigger emotional impact because of it. Some have seen this as the films ultimate flaw, stating that for all of it's sumptuous, robust scenery and fantastic performances, it's script was lacking. And I have to disagree, Christopher Hampton (who also wrote Dangerous Liasons and Atonement) has crafted a beautifully delicate and sparse script. And it's sparse for a reason, the story is based on feelings and a thousand pages of dialog can't compare to what nuanced actors can convey in ere seconds without words. I expect some to find the narration (by the film's director, Stephen Frears) a bit jarring, but it sets the tone nicely.
The performances are top-notch and worthy of awards consideration. Kathy Bates turns in yet another fiery supporting performance (after her heinously overlooked work in the heinously overlooked "Revolutionary Road") as the busy-body mother of the title character, while Rupert Friend shines. Friend seamlessly inhabits the role of a man who's maturation is inert, at times sheepish and at other's a full-blown brat, he finds the perfect notes to hit. And yet, in the midst of two assured performances, the film belongs to Michelle Pfeiffer. Her performance is subtler than some might expect, but it is powerful nonetheless. Pfeiffer sometimes says so much with no words at all, it's a truly compelling performance that proves - once again - how much of a treasure she is. The ending of the film will frustrate, maybe even baffle some, but I feel it packs a pretty hefty punch to the gut. Some things need not be seen, the mere mentioning of what happens in the end is enough to make our jaws drop.
This cast, this director and the screenwriter have crafted an exceptional film that should be seen by far more people. The horrible mishandling of it's theatrical run has pretty much ruined the bulk of Mrs. Pfeiffer's chances at a fourth Oscar nomination (and possible win), and it's a shame because she is so deserving. Cheri is the film those of you in the mood for a period film that moves at a brisk pace and has wit and plenty of drama. It's not a weepy sort of film (see Atonement for that, they have the same screenwriter), but it's effective nonetheless.
