The Eye of the Storm: DVD Review

The Eye of the Storm: DVD Review

Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Entertainment

What is it about families and their ongoing issues which continue to make such cinematic dramas?

In this based on the Nobel prize winner Patrick White's book, Charlotte Rampling stars as Elizabeth Hunter, a woman who controls all in her life - society, her staff, her children; but the once great beauty will now determine her most defiant act as she chooses her time to die.

But in dying, Hunter still wields a heck of a lot of power and influence over her expat son (Geoffrey Rush) and daughter (Judy Davis) - even though they're there to pick over their inheritance.

It takes a wee while for The Eye of the Storm to get going and while it's meandering and a bit wavering in its direction, it's never so in its acting; Rampling, Rush and Davis turn in great performances in an at times, occasionally difficult to watch film.

The Eye of the Storm will appeal to a slightly older demo, who are willing to revel in its lugubrious overtones and general slower feel - a good solid cast give their all to this film, but it can't quite transcend the stuffiness of its story, even if it was stuffed with exquisite period detail.

Extras: Q&A and audio commentary with director Fred Schepisi

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