Very much enjoyed Gosford Park, Altman's cross between Rules of the Game and Agatha Christie. The set-up is superficially like A Wedding: swells and servants at a country estate, a murder takes place and everyone's a suspect. But unlike most Altman jamobrees this one is far more speific as to plot and character. There are clearly delineated "big scenes" and "important moments."
Great perfs all around, especially Helen Mirren, Emily Watson, Jeremy Northam (as Ivor Novello -- he even sings several Novello songs), Bob Balaban (whose idea this was. The script is by Julian Fellowes), Alan Bates, Eileen Atkins, Kristin Scott Thomas, the ever-sneering Richard E. Grant, Michael Gambon, and Maggie Smith.
My only objection: Altman has Ryan Philippe keep his clothes on, so we never get a look at that fabulous ass of his, even though he beds Kristin Scott Thomas. Twice!
