Wished for more

Rating: 6/10 (3 May 2009)

Recently saw "The Reader," with Kate Winslet. Frankly, I don't know why the many kudos for this film nor for Winslet receiving the Academy Award for her performance in it. For me, the story didn't unfold so much as plod lugubriously with far too much time lavished upon the sexual foray between Winslet's character and the teenage boy. I consider Kate Winslet a decent enough actress, capable, perhaps, of delivering an Oscar winning performance, but it didn't happen in this film - not necessarily because of lack in ability on her part. As written, the scope of personality in the character Ms Winslet portrays is far too narrow and limited to allow for much more than looking mostly sullen or abstracted in scene after scene; limitations far to great to allow for rendering a performance that warrants an Oscar. In other words, she did the best with what little she had to works with, but, alas, it wasn't enough for me.
Also, I would argue that the film's subtext, the trial of the prison guards, was an opportunity squandered. I feel it should have been the film's main focus and thrust. To relegate the trial to subtext dilutes it of it's power to dramatize the gripping revelations that would shine a light on what and how this sad, proud woman had come to be sitting in that chair, in that courtroom, before that tribunal.
Lastly, I was much bothered by the complete disconnect between the Ralph Feines (Feinnes?) character as teenager and older man in later years. Seems to me that by the time a boy is in his mid to late teens there is some indication or resemblance to his later adult self, however vague. There is no such connection here - not remotely. The only "resemblance" between them is the fact that they are both male. Again, and alas, it wasn't enough for me.
All in all however, the film did have it's moments....