Ever After

Director: Andy Tennant Andy Tennant

Overview

Andy Tennant directs Ever After, a period romance that reimagines the Cinderella legend with several fresh twists. The Brothers Grimm arrive at the home of a wealthy Grande Dame (Jeanne Moreau) who speaks of the many legends surrounding the fable of the cinder girl before telling the "true" story of her ancestor. In flashback, the story then focuses on eight-year-old Danielle, daughter of a wealthy widower, a 16th-century landowner. After returning to France with his new wife Rodmilla (Anjelica Huston) and her two daughters, he dies of a heart attack. Ten years later, Danielle (Drew Barrymore) is now treated as a servant by the trio. Fortunately, she has an encounter with Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), who is fleeing an arranged marriage. Later, when Danielle poses as a Lady, the Prince takes an interest in her. Inventor-artist Leonardo da Vinci (Patrick Godfrey), accepting the French court's patronage, offers advice to Prince Henry on matters of the heart. George Fenton's music adds an accompaniment to the lush look of this period romance.

Product Details

Release Date:	01/14/2003
UPC:	0024543057536
Original Release:	1998
Rating:	PG-13
Source:	20Th Century Fox

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Drew Barrymore	Danielle
Anjelica Huston	Rodmilla
Dougray Scott	Prince Henry
Patrick Godfrey	Leonardo da Vinci
Megan Dodds	Marguerite
Melanie Lynskey	Jacqueline
Jeanne Moreau	Grande Dame
Timothy West	King Francis
Judy Parfitt	Queen Marie
Jeroen Krabbé	Auguste
Lee Ingleby	Gustave
Kate Lansbury	Paulette
Matyelok Gibbs	Louise
Richard O'Brien	Pierre Le Pieu
Toby Jones	Page

Technical Credits

Andy Tennant

Susannah Grant

Rick Parks

Andy Tennant	Director,Screenwriter
Jenny Beavan	Costumes/Costume Designer
Roger Bondelli	Editor
Timothy M. Bourne	Co-producer
Melissa Cobb	Associate Producer
Andrew Dunn	Cinematographer
Judy Farr	Set Decoration/Design
George Fenton	Score Composer
Susannah Grant	Screenwriter
Michael Howells	Production Designer
Priscilla John	Casting
Simon Kaye	Sound/Sound Designer
Rick Parks	Screenwriter
Scott Printz	Asst. Director
Kevin Reidy	Co-producer
Mireille Soria	Producer
Lucinda Syson	Casting
Tracey Trench	Producer

Editorial Reviews

There isn't much to improve upon when dealing with a classic fairy tale, but surprisingly, this charming (if slightly overlong) update of the Cinderella story has a good deal to offer even those completely familiar with its tried and true yarn. Beautifully photographed in Super-35 on location in France, with pitch-perfect production design, Ever After succeeds in creating something with a modern bent while still retaining the core of integrity that makes its story continue to resonate. Drew Barrymore is far too contemporary for the lead role, but her effortless charisma carries the film regardless, and the supporting cast is expertly chosen, with a suitably dashing Dougray Scott and wonderfully sneer-worthy Anjelica Huston standing out among many apt performances. The movie doesn't fully capitalize on its strengths, and Andy Tennant's direction is suitable but unsurprising; still, the film is classy, straightforward entertainment and designed to please. Its video version has been rated PG, seemingly with a few trims to make it even more family friendly.

All Movie Guide - Jason Clark