Gosford Park (2001)

Synopsis of Gosford Park

Maverick American filmmaker Robert Altman takes a witty and absorbing look at the foibles of the British class system in this intelligent murder mystery set in the early '30s. Sir William McCordle (Michael Gambon) and his wife Lady Sylvia (Kristin Scott Thomas) are a pair of wealthy British socialites who have invited a variety of friends, relatives, and acquaintances to their mansion in the country for a weekend of hunting and relaxation. Among the honored guests are Constance (Maggie Smith), Lady Sylvia's matronly aunt; Ivor Novello (Jeremy Northam), William's cousin who is also a well-known actor and songwriter; and Morris Weissman (Bob Balaban), an American film producer who is friendly with Ivor and researching an upcoming project. Observing the proceedings are the domestic staff of the mansion, including imperious butler Jennings (Alan Bates); footmen George (Richard E. Grant) and Arthur (Jeremy Swift); Probert (Derek Jacobi), a valet to Sir William; housekeeper Mrs. Wilson (Helen Mirren); Mrs. Croft (Eileen Atkins), who oversees the kitchen; and Elsie (Emily Watson), a maid. Also on hand are the guests' personal servants, including Mary (Kelly Macdonald), Constance's maid; Henry (Ryan Phillippe), Weissman's valet; and Parks (Clive Owens), a butler. While the servants are required to display a high level of decorum, they are expected to be passive observers who do not comment on what they see, though the gossip among them travels thick and fast once they retire to the servants' quarters downstairs. And it turns out that there's plenty worth gossiping about, especially after Sir William turns up dead, and everyone is ordered to stay at the mansion while the police investigate the killing. Gosford Park also features Charles Dance, Tom Hollander, Natasha Wightman, and Ron Webster; the screenplay was written by Julian Fellowes, based on a story by Altman and co-star Bob Balaban. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

138 mins

Director(s):

Robert Altman

Writer(s):

James Fellowes, Julian Fellowes

Producer(s):

Robert Altman, Bob Balaban, David Levy

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Profanity, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children)

Categories:

Mystery & Suspense

• 2001 - American Film Institute - Best Director
• 2001 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best British Film
• 2001 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best British Film
• 2001 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Costume Design
• 2001 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best British Film
• 2001 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Acting Ensemble
• 2001 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Director
• 2001 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director (Runner-up)
• 2001 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress (Runner-up)
• 2001 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay
• 2001 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Director
• 2001 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actress
• 2001 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Screenplay
• 2001 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actress
• 2001 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Director
• 2001 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Supporting Actress
• 2001 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Cast

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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