IMDb > Duet for One (1986) > IMDb user comments

IMDb user comments for
Duet for One (1986) More at IMDbPro »

Filter: Hide Spoilers:
Index 5 comments in total 

11 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
This is proof enough that Julie Andrews can act; again, she rises above this uneven work ..., 30 October 2004
8/10
Author: philip-ct from Cape Town, South Africa

"I'm in this chair because I've got multiple sclerosis," thunders Julie Andrews (as Stephanie) to her shrink - rather a caricature - Max von Sydow. There is anger, there is bitterness, there is a resignation, there is a sense of loss, a sense of frustration and an understated (and unstated) acknowledgement that we all die alone...

In one line, Ms Andrews displays a depth to her dramatic performance not yet seen by viewers. I remember some rather disparaging comments being made about this casting (as well as for 84 Charing Cross Road, released in the same time frame as Duet for One). Most of these were aimed at the casting of Julie Andrews in a pivotal dramatic role.

Understandable, perhaps, as Julie Andrews *is* better known as a musical star (though cannot make any more musical films)and is seen as either Mary Poppins or Maria von Trapp. In reality, Ms Andrews has made more non-musical films than musical films.

Duet for One, though, was a departure from other roles: this film is kept alive only by the performance of Julie Andrews -- the other characters are merely 'supporting' characters. Julie Andrews does what she has done in previous musical films: she takes centre stage.

Her performance is absolutely brilliant -- she received two Golden Globe nominations as Lead Actress in one year (1986): For drama, 'Duet for One'; for comedy/musical, 'That's Life.'

I saw both in London in 1987. Julie Andrews, it seemed by overwhelming critical responses, had 'come of age'. Her performances were measured, realistic and gritty: and even with the subject matter of Duet for One, never diminishes into audience-pleasing wallowing sympathy.

I do think that Julie Andrews has been a much-cheated actress: audiences do not seem to *want* her to be more than a musical star. She has great comic timing (such a pity that there never was a vehicle to exploit this talent). In 'Duet for One', she convinces that she can act: she is in control, but a weighty script, uneven directing and blurred focus helped this movie to sink.

And again, an excellent performance is not seen by a large number of people. There is gritty, gutsy work and Julie Andrews *should* have been nominated for an Academy Award (rather than a strange nomination to Jane Fonda for 'The Morning After'.

This film is not good ('Hilary and Jacky' is much better) but the lead performance is outstanding. If you get a chance, see it. For Julie Andrews' work and some fine classical music, outstandingly weaved into the soundtrack in background and foreground, it's stunning.

And there are interesting supporting cast vignettes too, notably those of Liam Neeson and Cathryn Harrison.

A great pity that this film has diluted its original play so much, but it's still worth seeing.

Was the above comment useful to you?

4 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Magnificent Performance, 4 June 2002
Author: stephanie (tazzzzzzs@aol.com)

Julie Andrews did a remarkable job playing the character of Stephanie Anderson in this movie. She did a great job of expressing the trial and tribulations that stephanie anderson goes through as she copes with MS. Great Job Julie! You deserved an Oscar for your performance!

Was the above comment useful to you?

5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
Extremely Dramatic, but absolutely spectacular!, 23 September 2001
10/10
Author: JulieAndrews4eva (JulieAndrews4eva@aol.com)

Julie Andrews is positively moving in this story abotu a world-famous violinist who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (true story).Miss Andrews acts this part wonderfully. She is deep and well, exactly right for the part of Stephanie Anderson. Liam Neeson plays a merchant whom Stephanie has an affair with when her husband (Alan Bates) is on vacation. Cathryn Harrison (Best Actor winner Rex Harrison's grandaughter) plays a small role, as well. Marvelous film, deserves much praise, and if the movie doesn't deserve praise Julie Andrews most certainly does!

Was the above comment useful to you?

3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
Wonderfully acted, really moving, Julie Andrews' best performance., 6 April 1999
Author: jimnz from Auckland, New Zealand

I was surprised this disappeared the way it did and that Julie Andrews did not receive an Academy Award nomination. It's a tough uncompromising depiction of what it's like for someone who is losing control physically and starts to lose it emotionally as well. The scene in the back of the car where Andrews and Alan Bates argue and he goes that one step too far is unlike any personal altercation I can recall seeing on film. I found the film totally engrossing and very moving.

Was the above comment useful to you?

2 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :-
How to rip the guts out of your own work..., 24 February 2003
Author: Silasss from London, England

...and also make a nonsense of your title. The film is based on a stage play, which is so called because, although a two-hander, it is much closer to being a one-woman show. The stage version was produced for BBC Television with Frances De La Tour, the original star, and is much more worth watching than this sentimentalised claptrap. For one thing, when in a magnificent outburst she attempts to shock the psychiatrist by admitting that she has been "f***ing a totter", part of the power of this is by your wondering what is going on in the head of this refined and cultural woman, for her to be taking a dirty Steptoe-like rag and bone man into her bed. The point is completely lost if you *show* the totter, and what is more cast Liam Neeson in the part!

Kempinski remained on the credits as the screenwriter, so it seems he only has himself to blame for this utter emasculation of what was really an excellent play, loosely based on the shattering loss of Jacqueline Du Pré's art, career and normal life to multiple sclerosis.

Was the above comment useful to you?

Add another comment

Related Links

Plot summary Ratings Awards
External reviews Plot keywords Main details
Your user comments Your vote history