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ALL THE LITTLE ANIMALS ** out of *****
Genres
1998 Directed by Jeremy Thomas Written by Eski Thomas Cast John Hurt .... Mr. Summers Christian Bale .... Bobby Platt Daniel Benzali .... Bernard 'The Fat' De Winter James Faulkner .... Mr. Stuart Whiteside John O'Toole .... Lorry Driver Amanda Boyle .... Des Amy Robbins .... Valerie Ann Platt, Bobby's Mother
All the Little Animals is a film that plays out like a Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale. On the surface, there are heart-warming scenes of uncomplicated beauty that barely mask the anguish and dark despair that lie at the core of the piece. This is a simple film that uses a small cast and smaller setting to create a clear allegory.
Bobby Platt (Christian Bale) is a quiet and withdrawn young man, who is left mentally challenged after being injured in a car accident as a child. After the death of his mother, he is left in the care of his stepfather Bernard De Winter (Daniel Benzali). Bobby is terrified of De Winter, whom he nicknames ‘The Fat’, and rightly so. After De Winter tries to threaten him into signing away his inheritance, Bobby runs away to the English back country. Here he befriends Mr Summers (John Hurt), a recluse who has dedicated his life to the care of wild animals. But too soon De Winter locates Bobby, and the young man must confront his greatest terror.
Bale’s performance is outstanding. His portrayal of a kind, but dim-witted young man is eloquent, at times hilarious and often heart-rending. John Hurt also delivers a strong performance as the gruff and wise old hermit. Benzali’s stepfather is imposing and terrifying, but as an antagonist he is too shallow, and without enough justification he comes across as very hollow. The movie is set primarily in Cornwall, England and the scenery is superb. The sunny fields and gentle hills are the perfect accompaniment to the youthful innocence of Bobby Platt.
Unfortunately, the film is let down by a rather uninspired plot. It feels very much like Bobby learns what he needs to from Mr. Summers, De Winter hulks around when required and the audience has the deeper message wrapped up neatly and then forced down their throats. You may well find that you enjoy this film, but have very little worth saying about it at the end of the credits.
Ultimately, All the Little Animals is a film about a fairly simple metaphor crafted into a regrettably mediocre plot. Breathtaking scenery and superb acting keep it from falling into banality, but do not do enough to make this film exceptional.Finger_Of_DOOM's reviews also appear on DVD Compare, where they include details of the DVD release. For this review click here. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts) |
