Gee, Gil, top film of 2009? That says a lot, coming from you. I have to agree.
So, I went again, on Tuesday, with Leslie and her daughter Hannah (who all trekked down from Maine and brought very frosty weather with them) and a Lynne-on-vacation.
Leslie of course found Don Bachardy's cameo right away (aside to John: he says "Good morning, George" as George enters the faculty room, toward the beginning of the film).
I must say it held up quite well to a second viewing. Colin Firth's performance continues to amaze. I found more compassion for Julianne Moore's character (although George is alone even with his best friend). Picked up on lovely little details (including Ford's seeming obsession with eyes) and enjoyed the music even more. Soundtrack is to be released on January 5 according to amazon.
IMDb notes that Ford had originally hired a "more famous" young actor to play Kenny. Leslie uncovered a rumor that it was to be Jamie Bell, of
Billy Elliott fame, also all growed up. Jamie was reportedly canned after not showing up for a fitting, and was fortunately replaced by the 6' 4" Nic Hoult.
I haven't made up my mind about Matt Goode. I disliked him in
Brideshead, and I'm not sure about his American accent here, but he does deliver a great line in this: "I think I'm taken".
The better-than-James-Dean Jon Kortajarena is indeed breath-taking, and very affecting in a brief scene. I hope to see more of him.
Our conclusion: more kissing, please!