Gets better each time you see it

Rating: 9/10 (25 February 1999)

I went to this film the first time simply because I adore Brad Pitt. However, I have now seen it 6 times, and not just because of him. I think it may well become one of my favourite films of all time, and will be critically appreciated more in the future than now.
The script is excellent. There are a lot of subtle hints and throw away remarks which you simply tend to miss first time around, especially those of the delightful supporting cast. Jake Weber as Drew is particularly enjoyable. The elder daughter, Alison, says at one point "I should get my head examined again." This is just about the only clue we ever have to suggest that life in the Parrish family is not idyllic, and it is simply left hanging, not followed up. Like real life in fact.
The sets are fabulous; it is worth seeing for Bill Parrish's library alone. I read somewhere that it is the most expensive non-special effects film ever made and I can quite believe it.
It is often said to be over-long, but after 6 viewings I would be hard-pressed to say where I could cut more than a couple of minutes.