The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day
(1993) [Trailer]
Director: James Ivory (IMDB)

We're all rats stuck on a exercise wheel, continually running around and around. Day in, day out, working ourselves to the bone. The working man is a sucker and a slave to the grind. Some of us are locked into this cycle more than others, as is the case of Mr. Stevens.

Mr. Stevens (Sir Anthony Hopkins) is a butler to a very wealthy Englishman in post WWI Britain. He keeps himself completely occupied by running the Lord's mansion and ridiculously large staff of servants. The Lord is also a Nazi sympathizer and he's helping the Germans ease their way back into the world stage after getting their asses handed to them in the first war. Sir Anthony hires on a head maid (Emma Thompson) and over time starts to develop feelings for her. I won't get too into the story as it is involved but trust me, you should watch it.

This movie is a great example of missed opportunity. It's an interesting character study on a man who puts work so highly above all that he loses out on everything else in life. He barely has a moment to himself and when love comes knocking at his door, he doesn't even take the chance to make it happen. What's even worse is the Lord that Mr. Stevens served ended up being a tool and his allegiance to him, cost his life (not literally but figuratively.) The whole movie you want Mr. Stevens to bust a move and change, but in the end he remains what he is, a slave to the man.

This movie was nominated for 8 academy awards and it's easy to see why. The cinematography is beautiful. There's one scene where Mr. Steven's car is dying on the road in the middle of the country during sunset, it's one of the most amazing shots I've seen in cinema in awhile. The score is phenomenal, it's very classic with hints of darkness spread throughout it. Lastly, the performances are great. Sir Anthony is so awesome and extremely believable as a butler, as well as Emma Thompson, who serves up a stellar performance which will linger with you... Superman was decent too.

Definitely recommended.