The English Patient

An impressive adaptation of the dense novel by Michaella Ondaatje, “The English Patient” is a sweeping epic loaded with gorgeously photographed, effectively staged set-pieces in North Africa and Italy, along with several rich and rewarding performances.

Minghella doesn’t shy away from overwhelming romance; he runs toward it with a clear head. And clear eyes: photographed by John Seale, this is easily the most ravishing film of the year. The sand seems to drench the actors in deep golden light; the sky is a rich, muted blue, like a still and suspended sea.
The performances are of great clarity, which is a help to us in finding our way through the story. Binoche is a woman whose heart has been so pounded by war that she seems drawn to its wounded, as a distraction from her own hurts. Fiennes, in what is essentially a dual role, plays a man who conceals as much as he can–at first because that is his nature, later because his injuries force him to. Thomas is one of those bright, energetic British women who seem perfectly groomed even in a sandstorm, and whose core is steel and courage.
When the film is mysterious and exotic, and when the characters are allowed to engage each other, “The English Patient” soars. With all the eye-popping scenery and outstanding performances, there is much to recommend. And perhaps we should acknowledge that Minghella has accomplished no small feat in mounting an involving film from such a difficult source.