There they meet Dean Spanley (Sam Neill), a dignified Trollopian cleric, and a crafty Australian businessman, Wrather (Bryan Brown). Set in Edwardian England, the film is based on an Alan Sharp adaptation of Irish author Lord Dunsany's 1936 novella My Talks with Dean Spanley. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. The Fisks eventually discover why thanks to the tipsy churchman. Dean Spanley was funded by the New Zealand Film Commission and has nothing particularly to do with us. And every man, it seems, should have a dog. [14] A region-1 DVD was released in 2010.[15]. Fisk Junior, initially intrigued by the Dean's oddly open-minded views on reincarnation, is prompted to look beyond the Dean's appearance (that of an affable, rather bland clergyman) by his weakness for certain peculiar sensations produced by Hungarian Imperial Tokay wine, which leads him into a dreamlike state. In what earthly way could this tale connect father and son? Enduring his cantankerous father (Peter O'Toole), Fisk invites the Dean to dinner and listens to the strange stories of his past life as a dog. Dean Spanley is based on a short story by Lord Dunsany and as with most short stories, the plot turns on circumstances which create a single but profound change -in this case, in the inner life New Zealand playwright-turned-director. Starting off with the Dean explaining there's different ways the master said Wag. Norwich, Norfolk: 18 December 2007, Norwich Evening News (Kate Scotter), Wisbech, Cambs: The Fenland Citizen, 21 November 2007: Hollywood Comes to Wisbech, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, "Exclusive: RT Visits the Set of Dean Spanley. Peter O'Toole delivers a mesmerising performance as a misanthropic curmudgeon who cannot come to terms with his elder son's death, and has little time or affection for his younger son. It also had two showings at the London Film Festival, and was also shown at the largest film festival in Asia, the Pusan International. Believing in the adage "In vino veritas" he plies the Dean with wine. Crikey, what was everybody thinking? Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? A first person narrative of a man who meets Dean Spanley, an elder minister, at his club and discovers the Dean has a strong belief in Reincarnation. I wanted to read it because of the film, but the two are different works. It was utterly winning, as we gradually learn that the very proper Edwardian gentleman perfectly played by Sam Neill (no less than a dean in the Church of England) will, when sufficiently in his cups, reveal that in a previous life he was a dog. And instead of the usual half-dozen tales of troubled reunions that end up in grisly assertions of family values, we've had just Four Christmases, though it's a tale told four times over. When Spanley. [1] Peter O'Toole said that the film's use of comedy to explore the relationship between a father and son was part of the attraction for him: "All of us have had these difficult familial relationships and I think it's a film for all of us who understand the relationship between a father and son. OToole is brilliant playing the grumpy old man and then, later in the movie, effecting a transformation. But, since the dean is close-mouthed about this, how to get him to talk about it? He refuses to mourn his dead son, and all attempts by Henslowe to comfort him are rebuffed. [9][10] Let us know whats wrong with this preview of, Published Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. This is an elegant fantasy about a man who was once a dog. For all the uproarious nonsense of the story or poppycock to use Horatios favorite expression the effect on audiences is positively sleep inducing.Production companies: The New Zealand Film Commission in association with Screen East Content Investment Fund/Aramid Entertainment/Lip Sync Productions present a Matthew Metcalfe/Atlantic Film Group productionCast: Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill, Byron Brown, Peter OToole, Judy Parfitt, Art Malik.Director: Toa Fraser.Screenwriter: Alan Sharp.Based on a novel by: Baron Dunsany.Producers: Matthew Metcalfe, Alan Harris.Executive producers: Finola Dwyer, David Parfitt, Simon Fawcell, Alan Sharp.Director of photography: Leon Narbey.Production designer: Andrew McAlpine.Music: Don McGlashan.Costume designer: Odile Dicks-Mireaux.Editor: Chris Plummer.Sales: NZ Film.No rating, 100 minutes. Dean Spanley. A first person narrative of a man who meets Dean Spanley, an elder minister, at his club and discovers the Dean has a strong belief in Reincarnation. He begins to suspect the Dean has more than a belief, he may have actual memories of a past life and becomes determined to find out. {var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Set in Edwardian England where upper lips are always stiff and men from the Colonies are not entirely to be trusted, Fisk Senior has little time or affection for his son, but when the pair visit an eccentric Indian, they start a strange journey It's the favourite tipple of one Dean Spanley (Sam Neill), an enigmatic clergyman who becomes a focus of interest to Henslowe Fisk (Jeremy Northam), the story's narrator. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter The novella, out of print for some years, was re-issued from HarperCollins in 2008. This Christmas we've been spared any film set in Santa Claus's Lapland toy factory starring Tim Allen as a jovial Santa and Will Ferrell as a resentful elf. Hoping to find scientific proof of the transmigration of souls if he can get Dean Spanley to talk, the narrator invites him to dinner. [11] Fisk Junior reluctantly visits his father every Thursday. Directed by the New Zealand film-maker Toa Fraser and sensitively lit by Leon Narbey, it's set in Edwardian England immediately after the Boer War. Offbeat, whimsical, period-set shaggy dog story with daffy performances from Sam Neill and Peter O'Toole. Regal Reviews were generally positive, Rotten Tomatoes website gives the film a rating of 88% based on 32 reviews. The novella was optioned from the Dunsany Will Trust through Curtis Brown of London by Alan Sharp. You're almost there! Dean Spanley is an Anglo-New Zealand co-production developed from a novella written in the 1930s by Lord Dunsany, an Irish writer interested in the occult, and adapted by It is directed by Toa Fraser, British born - of Fijian mother - who cut his play writing teeth here, notably with No. Small film, big delight. By creating an account, you agree to the Refresh and try again. His son Henslowe (Jeremy Northam), whom he calls young Fisk, always visits him on Thursdays; dinner is invariably hotpot and he refuses to allow his housekeeper, Mrs Brimley (Judy Parfitt), to vary the menu. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. Dean Spanley enjoys the aroma of the wine and wishes that at times like this, "one could possess the olfactory senses of the canine." Dean SpanleyDirector: Toa FraserStaring: Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, Peter OToole.RatedTrailer: Flicks.co.nz. Try again. Their repasts recall the wonderful encounter between Alec Guinness and Dennis Price in Kind Hearts and Coronets. He strongly suspects, for various reasons, that a certain dean was a dog in a previous life. Film festivals will be most understanding but distributors who want to make money will not. $2. Birthday: Nov 13, 1952. | Inventive, and especially so for its time, but dated. Both are British, feature some of our finest actors, touch affectingly on relationships between fathers and sons and fathers and daughters without getting unduly sentimental, and they have literate scripts. [5][6] Further filming took place in New Zealand. We already have this email. They move from everyday reality into realms of fantasy and don't constantly allude to popular Hollywood films. It's been interesting watching how variou When Spanley A first person narrative of a man who meets Dean Spanley, an elder minister, at his club and discovers the Dean has a strong belief in Reincarnation. He begins to suspect the Dean has more than a belief, he may have actual memories of a past life and becomes determined to find out. And this somehow inspires the old man finally to give in to his grief over losing a son. [CDATA[ As the story unfolds, Fisk Junior comes to understand his father's background better and the two draw closer. The book is a quick read, about 100 short pages, but is mostly just toying with the idea and playing with it for amusement. Here, then, is a potential first-hand account! Ahead of general release, Dean Spanley was shown twice at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a red-carpet gala premiere, the first New Zealand production ever to do so. At first, it was ponderous, it was difficult and -for a moment- the idea of walking out was tempting. It appears that the dean recalls a previous life as a dog while under the influence of Tokay. Dean Spanley, did you say? In the very early 1900s, Henslowe Fisk lives beholden to his father, the difficult Horatio Fisk. Watchlist. This is a delightful, oddly moving film, immaculately acted, carefully skirting whimsy, and nicely located in its period. The lecture is also attended by the new local clergyman, Dean Spanley (Sam Neill). The United Kingdom general release was announced by Icon Distribution for 12 December, and a "U" classification issued by the British Board of Film Classification. and the [12][13] However, rather than opening in theatres in the U.S., it went straight to cable. Coming Soon. 2008. Parents Guide. I highly recommend the movie, "D. The movie is much better. In Ireland it was certified "G" and was released on the same date. PG. My Talks With Dean Spanley 1h 36m After attending a talk on reincarnation with his son, Horatio Fisk meets an eccentric man named Dean Spanley who shares stories of his past life as a dog. There are no action sequences, no romances; the colours seem washed out and film values are almost mundane. js.src='https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js'; js.id=id; Cinemark He begins to suspect the Dean has more than a belief, he may have actual memories of a past life and becomes determined to find out. Jacinda Ardern to step down in February watch live, By MICHAEL FIELD, New Zealand's biggest climate polluters, ranked, Wicketkeepers under fire after controversies in New Zealand's ODI loss to India, Young man permanently injured after being shaken as a baby, Prince Harry puzzled by the Queen's response when he asked her permission to marry Meghan, Price drop: The small supermarket undercutting the major players, 5 changes that could save you thousands of dollars this year, Quiz: Morning trivia challenge: January 19, 2023, 'Quick dip and a swim' turns deadly for family group, Witnesses rush to help family of seven involved in 'chaotic' crash that left one dead, Christopher Luxon announces National caucus reshuffle, new portfolios to start election year. I read this story first as a child and loved it, and have re-read it several times. The adapted screenplay was written by Alan Sharp, with clearance from the Dunsany Literary Estate. With more than 4.75 million votes cast and counted, the 13th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards are now official. I recently stumbled across the movie Dean Spanley, I will read the novel in the future , but the movie is nothing short of a masterpiece. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Edwardian era tale told in the third person. The Hungarian sweet wine Imperial Tokay will never be paid a nobler tribute than it is in this gentle tale of Edwardian spiritualism. Both producers, the director, some of the lead cast (Neill was born in Northern Ireland but grew up in New Zealand, where he still lives), the cinematographer, the editor, the composer and a number of other members of the production crew and cast are from New Zealand. This book was written for a 19th Century audience and probably made a big splash with its treatment of "the transmigration of souls" or reincarnation. This is, unfortunately, treated as a serious, emotional drama. Dean Spanley was funded by the New Zealand Film Commission and has nothing particularly to do with us. 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Later the same day Fisk Junior encounters the Dean at his father's club. Read critic reviews. Plot Keywords Combining drawing room comedy with spiritualist fantasy but leavened by the very real trauma of war and loss, Dean Spanley is a sublime little film that feels like a bit like what might result if P.G. A region-2 DVD was released in 2009. On an outing to pass an idle afternoon, they attend a lecture by an Indian swami on 'The Transmigration of Souls', where the question of dogs being reincarnated as humans arises. Strange, the Fisk familys faithful spaniel was named Wag. Please reference Error Code 2121 when contacting customer service. Dean Spanley reveals all, including the details of the secret dog religious belief that once man teaches dog the secret of fire, man and dog will be equals. Theres just one problem. None of the narrator, Wrather, nor the Maharajah can remember what the dean said. * What do you think of Dean Spanley? Working with his clever friend Wrather (Bryan Brown), an Australian "conveyancer", Fisk secures a batch of Tokay and the two entertain the Dean, who acts ever more strangely, starting to reveal memories of his previous life as a Welsh Spaniel. We talk the transmigration of souls with Peter O'Toole and Sam Neill", IMDb Technical Specifications for Dean Spanley, "Toronto Gala world premiere for Dean Spanley", Dean Spanley goes to US with Miramax | News | Screen, Miramax Take Up Journey with Dean Spanley, "Dean Spanley (My Talks with Dean Spanley) (2008)", BAFTA: 'Australia' and 'Dean Spanley' make the long list, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dean_Spanley&oldid=1108578092, Articles with dead external links from July 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2009, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Elizabeth Goram-Smith as a young lady of stature (uncredited), This page was last edited on 5 September 2022, at 05:51. Enter Dean Spanley (Neill), a clergyman who is haunted by flashes of his former life as a dog. //]]>, Be the first to ask a question about My Talks With Dean Spanley. Background choir music was provided by the 30-voice New Zealand choir Musica Sacra.[8]. Dj vu! Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. And that there was no greater pleasure. Fisk Senior is looked after by his housekeeper Mrs Brimley (Judy Parfitt) who has lost her husband. A local rich cricket-playing Indian Nawab hosts a talk on reincarnation, attended by churchman Dean Spanley (Sam Neill) and Young Fisk (Jeremy Northam) with his father Old Fisk (Peter OToole). Horatio and Dean become fast friends and meet up frequently for dinner. Welcome back. Synopsis Hoping to find scientific proof of the transmigration of souls if he can get Dean Spanley to talk, the narrator invites him to dinner. Rating: PG (Some Thematic Material|Mild Language) Genre: Comedy, Honours go to Neill; it is among his finest performances. There is much, much more to the movie than this, and it is quite unforgettable. Whats more, look at this cast Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill, Byron Brown and Peter OToole! , Dean Spanley is also streaming at SBS On Demand: Skin (2008) The book is just so "small" compared with the movie, which expanded the character count and changed the plot in ways that appeal to the modern reader/movie-gower. Dean Spanley (2008) Summary News Box Office International Video Sales Full Financials Cast & Crew Trailer Metrics Movie Details Quick Links DEG Watched at Home Top 20 Netflix Daily Start your Independent Premium subscription today. TORONTO Where is Monty Pythons Flying Circus when you really need that comedy group? There is a sub-plot concerning Fisk Senior's childhood that receives an unexpected resolution forming the climax of the story. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! !function(d,s,id) In early November, the film was offered to United States distributors at the annual American Film Market (512 November), with two showings announced, and in early February 2009, Miramax bought the United States rights. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. PG (Some Thematic Material|Mild Language), Comedy, The Fisk family has suffered first the loss of its younger son, Harrington Fisk (Xavier Horan), killed in the Second Anglo-Boer War, shortly followed by the death of Horatio's wife. But it is the story itself that makes Spanley so marvellous. All rights reserved. There are no featured reviews for Dean Spanley because the movie has not released yet (). 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Taglines The narrative is called "a surreal period comedic tale of canine reincarnation exploring the relationships between father and son and master and dog". Third parties use cookies for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalised ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. 1 hr 37 mins. Offbeat, whimsical, period-set shaggy dog story with daffy performances from Sam Neill and Peter O'Toole. Small film, big delight. All Rights Reserved. Dean Spanley is the kind of film that emerges when a government agency the New Zealand Film Commission in this case and other regional development funds put After attending a talk on reincarnation by a visiting swami (Art Malik), sickly Horatio Fisk (Peter O'Toole), who is still grieving over the death of his eldest son, and his youngest son, Henslowe (Jeremy Northam), meet the charismatic Dean Spanley (Sam Neill) and the businessman Wrather (Bryan Brown). Dean Spanley, based on a 1936 novella and set in Edwardian England, is about a father and sons encounter with a clergyman who claims a past life as are you ready? I'm glad I finally read this novel by Dunsany. Privacy Policy by Collins. 2009 Opening 1 2:34 Jerusalem, Swami Prash 2 2:34 Wrather Takes Leave 3 1:47 Whats Our Loss, Henslow Reflects 4 1:05 Truth Deferred, Wrathers Treasure 5 3:27 Pouring Tokay, More Things in Heaven and Earth 6 3:20 Justorum Animae (Byrd) 7 1:46 Remembering Wag, the Dream If you compare the book with the movie though, I think you might be disappointed. The book is just so "small" compared with the movie, which expanded the character count and changed the plot in ways that appeal to the modern reader/movie-gower. Terms and Policies Coming Soon.
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