Anna and the King
Date viewed: January 1, 2000
Location: Chelsea Cinemas, Manhattan
Jodie Foster stars as Anna, that English woman hired by the king of Siam to give his many, many children a proper English education. The story is based on the true-life writings of a real English teacher, Anna Leonowens.
There was a Broadway musical, The King and I, based on the same story. I kept expecting, perhaps wanting, Jodie to break into "Getting To Know You" or "Whistle a Happy Tune." At least that would have livened up the drab proceedings. (Can't you just picture Miss Foster skipping around with all those children while belting out a show tune? I live for that kind of thing.)
Alas, no such luck. The plot is packed with tons of stories: different cultures clash, forbidden love between a concubine and a commoner, bloody violence, the death of a child, political intrigue, and even big explosions. Unfortunately, none of them grabbed my attention. I kept thinking how hot poor Jodie must have been in all those big dresses. And after two-and-a-half hours, the beautiful scenery and fancy costumes grew tiresome.
Listen to me: Rent the musical with Yul Brennar, Deborah Kerr, etc., etc., etc.
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