Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Camp as Chistmas, 17 Sep 2002
This review is from: The Naked Civil Servant [DVD] [1975] (DVD)
John Hurt isn't the star of this show - the story is. As much as I admire the British film industry and its fabulous wealth of character actors/actresses, this is one script that makes its own stars. Naturally, John Hurt plays a blinder and maybe I couldn't imagine anybody else finishing off the part as he does. But the Q Crisp one-liners and humorous put downs would have been funny even if Prince Edward had grabbed it with his clumsy paws. I won't spoil the finished article by quoting the best bits - watch it and I promise you won't be disappointed, it's a real classic.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
DVD version offers improvements, 22 May 2003
This review is from: The Naked Civil Servant [DVD] [1975] (DVD)
I had bought the budget VHS of The Naked Civil Servant several years ago and have enjoyed the film immensely - in spite of the tape's very grainy picture quality and annoying noises in the soundtrack. But the content is what matters absolutely with this film and the ClearVision DVD version has just arrived at home today from the UK. The picture quality is HUGELY improved compared to the VHS and there are no unwanted noises on the very clear soundtrack. The film was made for TV so you wouldn't expect state-of-the-art sight or sound, but this is as good a version as you will ever get. The added UK TV series documentary "Mavis Catches Up With...Quentin Crisp" is a well produced gem in which we join Mavis and Quentin in New York in 1989 chatting about how life has gone for him in the USA and how times have changed in the 15 years since the John Hurt film was made. Another good reason to buy the DVD with confidence.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hurt So Good, 17 Nov 2003
This review is from: The Naked Civil Servant [DVD] [1975] (DVD)
This is the adaptation of the book with the same title, by the late eminent Quentin Crisp. I'm afraid the movie is not as thrilling as the book, mainly because it lacks Quentin's elegant and witty writing, and his dry and ironic humour. But even so it is a good and interesting (made for tv) movie, that tells the story of the extraordinary and courageous life of Quentin Crisp, especially since he decided to not desguise his homosexuality, using it as a weapon instead of a weakness. And John Hurt offers us some great acting, in what will surely be one of the roles of his career. This is a not to be missed for all Quentin Crisp fans, and an invalueable document in the history of gay visibility in 20th century England.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|