Based on the Henry James novel, The Golden Bowl earns a regal place in the long line of lavish Ismail Merchant and James Ivory productions casting spectacular mise en scène in the lead role. The crumbling Italian palazzo that opens the film and the magnificent English country houses that encase the unfolding drama play, as always, an intrinsic part in the ruptured psyche of whatever gentry Merchant and Ivory have elected to pursue. In this case, divided attention is paid to erstwhile glories and turn-of-the-century ambitions. Impoverished Italian prince Amerigo (Jeremy Northam) is to marry heiress Maggie Verver (Kate Beckinsale), school friend of Charlotte (Uma Thurman), who in turn weds American industrialist and art collector Adam Verver (Nick Nolte), Maggie’s father. Amerigo and Charlotte, having previously been lovers, are helpless to resist an adulterous affair. A study of life’s covetous designs failing to imitate the perceived perfections of art, The Golden Bowl is likewise flawed but alluring. –Fionn Meade
I admired this movie. It kept me at arm’s length, but that is where I am supposed to be; the characters are after all at arm’s length from each other, and the tragedy of the story is implied but never spoken aloud. It will help, I think, to be familiar with the novel, or to make a leap of sympathy with the characters; they aren’t dancing through a clockwork plot, but living their lives according to rules that, once they accept them, cannot ever be broken. – Roger Ebert
Set in England and in Italy during 1903 to 1906.
Starring Uma Thurman, Jeremy Northam, Kate Beckinsale .
Note: The film was shot at various locations throughout England, including Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, Burghley House in Lincolnshire, Helmingham Hall in Suffolk, the Kew Bridge Steam Museum and Syon House in Middlesex, and Lancaster House and Mansion House in London. Italian locations included Palazzo Borghese in Artena and Prince Massimo’s Castle in Arsoli.