Word: script
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Carolyn Rendell's direction skillfully overcame a number of potential problems. The script, for example, is highly analytical and often cynical; the general good humor and depth of Rendell's interpretation prevented a potentially self-indulgent, whiny production. Resisting the temptation to flatten the main characters into a series of caricatures, Rendell infused them with self-consciousness and deep-seated vulnerability...
...form works because our memories do replay moments from our pasts like a film; rarely do they occur to us in sequential order. Director Wayne Wang weaves the nonlinear script together exquisitely, and we recognize the influence of producer Oliver Stone in sweeping shots of landscape and lavish depictions of the costumes of upper-class, old-world China...
Despite the many engrossing performances, thefilm fails to overcome its structural problems.Although tongue-in-cheek humor counters much ofits sentimentality, the movie ultimatelyincorporates too many looming issues for it toescape cliche. At times the script just tries abit too hard: in an attempt to make Sonnydifferent from all the other mobsters in previousfilms, Palminteri has made Sonny a gangster who'sread Machiavelli in the joint and can now lectureabout the distinction between feared and hatedleaders. Unfortunately, the weak ending, whichtries to tie all the ends together in one fellswoop, does nothing to resurrect the film...
...womb...," Dr. Schooner (Rowan Atkinson) sighs and draws up a shopping list. Wright's classic deadpan performance is set off perfectly by the boredom and snobbery expressed in Atkinson's exagerrated facial expressions and accent. Although well acted and directed, it is the witty and original script, written by Mark Armstrong and Wright himself, that really makes "The Appointments" shine...
Virtual unknown Sean Astin gives a persuasive performance as the scrappy young man who succeeds only because of his intense desire and determination. Stilted and cliched dialogue makes his task especially difficult. An example of the pathetic genericism of most of the script is the most emotional line he utters during the movie, in which he tells his girlfriend that he has to pursue his dream: "If I don't go now, I won't be any good to you, or to me, or to anybody." Sniff...