As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Yet another example that just plodding through a novel has little to do with making a tenable film. This one just thrashes through the story with nary a nod to cinematic necessities. But it does have Derek Jacobi, an actor with so much presence it almost makes the trip worthwhile. Derek knows how to create a character that is in two minds at once. That way we know we have something to recall when new information is revealed.Everyone else seems to lack direction.The original story had promise because of the revealing layers and plots. But it is all so drearily presented one hardly cares.Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

I think many people miss the brilliance in this work. It isn't just about the revenge or reasons for revenge but the psychology of the characters. Everything else is just the outcome of such character flaws.John Mannion, played expertly by Slater, isn't a bad man. He is just controlled! He is so controlled that he doesn't even realize what he has, because if he had, then he would have seen revenge as unnecessary.He is a character that had been vengeful for so long that he knew nothing else. Every move he made, every step he took, was one that brought him closer to his goal. And he couldn't see past his goal or anything other than it because he was TOO Focused and that was his character flaw. It's so deep and is virtually missed by everyone. He isn't flawed because he wants revenge. Everyone despite how virtuous wants revenge at some point. He isn't even flawed because he seeks revenge. Some people seek revenge and are done with it. He is flawed because he is someone who is blind to everything but revenge. And thus his destruction.This tale isn't about Basil's life or his feeling or emotion although they do play a small role. It's about John and the fact that he forced himself into a life of deception and cruelty to those who were devoted because he couldn't escape the only drive he ever had. One of the best scenes in history is when John is in bed with Julia and tells her that she must marry Basil. Julia who is 100% devoted to John and would do anything for him, of course wants to refuse but John replies. "If you don't marry Basil you can not have me." HE doesn't appreciate the love, not because he's a bad person or in essence evil but because he is just too focused. Slater is an under-appreciated acting genius who has given more outstanding performances than anyone else I can think to mention. Now, if Mindhunters and Alone in the Dark would be released I'd be happy :)

... so I watched this one too. Well, it wasn't all that bad, but truth to be told, it wasn't that special as well.The actors, not only incredibly gorgious Claire but also Jared Lehto (who is developing into being a very fine mime), know how to do their job and so the lack of originality in the story does not hurt too much. Still, I think the big drama and the element of surprise come short and the solution of the plot somehow seems to have been there before...Still, time is never wasted when perfect beauty is displayed. Claire Forlani, have a great career!

"Basil" is a curiously compelling film. I rented it purely because it "looked Victorian" and I was in the mood for something different. It turned out to be very Victorian, a family saga set somewhere in the 19th Century. Wealthy, but not titled, father has two sons. His pompous and hypocritical Victorian "family values" provide the dramatic force for the story -- otherwise, it's just a bland Harlequin-type romance. The father's confrontations with sons over women end each time with decisions totally alien to our modern sensibilities. Very jarring. Jared Leto as Basil is a little strained in his acting, but always nice to look at. C. Slater is surprisingly (and obviously) good in this "historical" role, and he has a secret which provides a twist near the end. The end itself provides a strange turn that may make you wonder if Basil wouldn't have been happier in a new-age commune in modern New Mexico. Of course, it is basically a chick-flick....