In the world of cinema, where critical reception can make or break a film, the fate of a movie can be sealed by the opinions of a few influential critics. This is a story of one such film, 'Mary Reilly', a gothic tale that faced a critical backlash despite its unique take on a classic story. The star of this story is Julia Roberts, who, despite her undeniable talent, found herself at the center of a storm that threatened to overshadow her performance. The film, directed by Stephen Frears and based on Valerie Martin's novel, retells Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' from the perspective of Jekyll's maid, Mary Reilly.
The journey to bringing 'Mary Reilly' to the big screen was not without its hurdles. It began as a project with a star-studded cast of potential directors and stars, including Tim Burton, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Uma Thurman. However, it was Julia Roberts' involvement that truly captured the attention of the industry. With her status as one of the most bankable stars of her time, the film's prospects seemed promising. But, as often happens in Hollywood, the project faced delays and changes, eventually settling on a February 1996 release date, well outside of the prestigious awards season.
This timing proved to be a significant factor in the film's critical reception. The press and critics, already wary of the project's troubled history, were quick to deliver their verdicts. Many reviews took aim at Julia Roberts' performance, particularly her accent, which was deemed 'dodgy'. Yet, amidst the criticism, there was a voice of reason and appreciation. Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic, offered a three-star review in the Chicago Sun-Times, praising the film's understanding of the gothic genre and its faithful portrayal of the original story.
Ebert's review highlighted the film's strength in capturing the underlying horror of the story, moving beyond the typical focus on makeup and special effects. He praised the performances, particularly Roberts', for their ability to draw the audience into the film's dark and sensual atmosphere. Ebert's colleague, Gene Siskel, agreed, and the film's critical standing improved over time, even earning a spot on /Film's list of '90s horror movies with awful reviews that are actually worth watching.
The key takeaway from this story is the importance of engaging with a film on its own terms. Critics, like Ebert, who managed to see beyond the initial buzz and personal biases, found a hidden gem. 'Mary Reilly' is a testament to the power of critical appreciation and the ability to find beauty in even the darkest of tales. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most overlooked films can offer the most profound insights into the human condition.
