Merchant Ivory Could Have Done It Better

Rating: 4/10 (29 May 2002)

A major disappointment for viewers anticipating a taut, suspenseful historical mystery. Nothing in this film comes remotely close to evoking a sense of period or place. It's settings have all the atmosphere of a back lot in Burbank. Johnny Depp's opium induced hallucinations are neither mystic nor arty, just annoying. Robbie Coltrane is completely wasted in this embarrassment. If you missed the film in theaters, don't worry. It'll be on cable by next week
------------------------------------------------------------------------