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Dean Spanley
Dean Spanley sees local boy Toa Fraser return to the director's chair after his successful debut project No. 2. This was warmly received by critics and audiences at its premiere at Toronto Film Festival 2008.
Set in Edwardian England, this is a fantastical dramatic comedy about the relationship between the cantankerous Fisk Snr (legendary Peter O’Toole) and son, Fisk Jnr (Northam). A passing interest in the "transmigration of souls" (that's reincarnation to you and I) develops into much more when Fisk Jnr meets new clergyman Dean Spanley (Sam Neill). An odd chappy, Spanley - upon sipping on his favourite, exotic wine - seems to recall a former life. These strange insights relate to the Fisk family's past, and arise unexpected emotions for father and son.
Starring Peter O'Toole, Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill, Bryan Brown
Directed by Toa Fraser ('No. 2')
Written by Alan Sharp (based on the novella by Lord Dunsany)
Music by Don McGlashan
Drama, Comedy, Adaptation | Rated (G) | Origin: New Zealand, UK | NZ Distributor: Paramount Pictures | Official Site »
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The Talk
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Flicks review
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4
It’s a really random choice of follow up film for No.2 director Toa Fraser, and it’s just about the least Kiwi-ish Kiwi film you’re likely to see, but Dean Spanley is a little gem regardless. You have to admire a film which revolves almost entirely around Sam Neill recounting tales of his past life in a shorter, hairier, more waggy tailed form but still ends up tugging at your heartstrings by the end.
Alan Sharp’s script is both laced with magic and expertly handled by Neill, Aussie veteran Bryan Brown, Jeremy Northam and the brilliantly irreverent Peter O’Toole. The latter’s confused and frequently apoplectic facial expressions add a number of laugh out loud moments too - while the 76-year-old Lawrence Of Arabia star does indeed look like he’s in ‘the anteroom of eternity’, his comedic chops are well intact.
Dean Spanley’s not for all tastes – things unfold at an unhurried, genteel pace and much of this is essentially a group of wrinkly blokes sitting about talking. But the storytelling draws you right in and Sam Neill handles his role with such a deft touch that what could have been a prohibitively weird premise is soon engulfed by humour and tenderness.
So, 2009’s umpteenth canine-focussed movie turns out to be both the oddest and the best so far. The fact that it’s a Kiwi co-production just makes that even sweeter.
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The people's reviews
23 reviews
Press Reviews
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Christchurch Press (Margaret Agnew)
Ingenious and absorbing, nothing is over-played in this English-New Zealand co- production, which was shot in both countries. From Don McGlashan's perfect score to Leon Narbey's gorgeous cinematography in muted shades that give way to golden tones of memory, this is a gently amusing, thoroughly entertaining and moving film. The theme of bereavement and reincarnation gives way to rebirth and the recreation of a thwarted relationship with great grace and style. Recommended for dog lovers and anyone with a heart.
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Empire [UK]
4
Wilfully whimsical and determinedly eccentric, this faintly bonkers period tale won’t be for everyone. But if you fall for Dean Spanley, you’ll fall hard.
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Guardian [UK]
This is a delightful, oddly moving film, immaculately acted, carefully skirting whimsy, and nicely located in its period.
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Hollywood Reporter
A dull and thoroughly stilly British drama based on the idea of canine reincarnation.
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Little White Lies [USA]
It's a rather ludicrous setup for Toa Fraser’s Edwardian comedy; if it’s a premise you can swallow, you’ll probably enjoy the whole ripping yarn. The banter is quietly pithy, and the daft story eventually builds to a surprisingly moving conclusion – thanks largely to yet another masterful turn from O’Toole.
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NZ Herald (Peter Calder)
3
Obscure Edwardian whimsy, but finely filmed and acted.
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Sutff.co.nz (Michael Field)
It is an intelligent, kind and gentle movie, with a lovely tale and a message about the glories of dogs and baying at the Moon. And every man, it seems, should have a dog.
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Time Out [UK]
Small film, big delight.
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TV3 (Kate Rodger)
4
A touching story of filial love and a delight to watch.
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Variety [USA]
It's a dog's past life in "Dean Spanley," an immaculately cast, nicely handled and wafer-thin slice of Brit period-dress whimsy. Represents an odd sophomore feature choice for New Zealander Toa Fraser, whose big-hearted Maori family drama "No. 2" should have made more waves internationally... it does have its peculiar charms. But it's a talky, narrowly focused piece that feels like an after-dinner anecdote presented with the full ceremony of a formal meal. Pic will flit through theaters before finding more comfortable smallscreen berths.
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