Bernard and Doris (2007)

Straight To Cable TV ...But Why?

Watching two powerful and exceptionally talented actors play across from each other is something of a marvel, and that is certainly part of what makes BERNARD AND DORIS a great film.

Based around the late history of tobacco heiress Doris Duke (here played beautifully by Susan Sarandon, In the Valley of Elah) and her close relationship with butler Bernard Lafferty (the phenomenal Ralph Fiennes, In Bruges), the film is a fictional take on the pair's relationship. Although no one knows what really happened between them, it is obvious that a friendship of unique qualities emerged. And Ralph Fiennes and Susan Sarandon are to be complimented on their astounding performances. Particularly Mr. Fiennes, who seems to turn every role he touches into gold (he did this, too, with his portrayal of The Duke of Devonshire in The Duchess). That Ms. Duke left millions of dollars under the stewardship of Mr. Lafferty after her death is a documented fact, proving that she trusted him implicitly (Ms. Duke was a very savvy businesswoman).

Some might think that sex had a part to play in it, but that would be a fools mistake because Mr. Lafferty was gay. And Ralph Fiennes plays the part of an early homosexual with perfect subtlety. His blossoming occurs under the keen eye of Doris, and the two give each other what they both need: companionship. It is a touching moment when Doris -- in a flustered state -- yells as Bernard and asks him, "What do you want from me?!" To which he simply replies, "To take care of you." And that is exactly what Doris needed in her waning years.

As Doris grows older and more ill (a debilitating stroke hits her), Bernard is given the opportunity to truly care for her, and he does so with Doris' final wishes at the forefront ("No one sees Ms. Duke without my permission.") Much of this leads to confrontations with her legal council and those worried about Doris' accumulated wealth. Was Bernard doing as Ms. Duke wished? Or was he just biding his time until Doris died and then pounce on her funds?

Regardless what you believe, Bernard was only given $5 million dollars and the rest he oversaw as a steward of many of Doris Duke's foundations. And upon his death (only a few years after Doris'), he donated all of his remaining money back to the Duke Foundation ...which should put to rest any worries about his motives.

Strangely enough, after this film was shown at a film festival, it was switched from a theatrical release and went straight to cable television. But the bigwigs at the film companies were dead wrong to do that. The performances are stellar and the movie engaging. It has now garnered 10 Emmy nominations (that's a ton!), three Golden Globe nominations, and two Screen Actors Guild nods. Had this movie been released to the general public via theaters, I feel certain it would've garnered even more notice. Shame on whoever let that slip through their fingers... January 2, 2009

6 Months of Psycho-Therapy

After anxiously awaiting the debut of this movie on HBO, I was expecting to see my super favorite celebrity number one crush Ralph Fiennes as a super hot Irish butler with a drinking problem. Yes, please.
But oh no, this was so not the case. He was a super hot Irish butler with a drinking problem but he was also a Tranny! Excuse me but this played hardcore mess-maker with my little head. At first, I was just disturbed by the movie and talked to my friends about it a lot. I would just call them and text them and they were like, "OK, will you stop now." And then I couldn't stop thinking about Ralph Fiennes, my favorite actor ever, in full make up smiling into the camera and I was writing in my journal about it even. Finally, my man said, "You know, you should talk to someone about this."
And I said, "I am. I'm talking to you."
He said, "No, I mean you need to see a professional therapist. You need the kind of help I just can't give."
So I did, I went into therapy for 6 months! I talked and talked about it. The therapist, Kim, she even saw the film on HBO one morning and was somewhat disturbed by it, as well. But she said what bothered her was the music, which she found to be overly dismal.
In the end, now I know I can't choose the roles Ralph Fiennes takes but I can choose to watch the films and then pay thousands to go and talk to Kim about how hot Ralph Fiennes is.
December 20, 2008

Almost completely fiction .

This very fictionalized movie really trashed Doris Duke . It was sad to see her victimized again . October 14, 2008

FANTASTIC MOVIE!!!!

This movie was spectacular! Susan Sarandon caputures the pure essence of Doris Duke. Ralph Fiennes was just great in this challanging and dark role! Excellent cinematography! September 19, 2008

Bernard and Doris

This was an excellent HBO film for TV with two great actors. I think it demestraigted how poeple (no matter how rich or poor) have certain basic needs; moreover how far we'll go for fulfullment of those needs. Thesetwo indiviuals came fom different back grounds, but I think they loved each other deeply. They went through many trials in their relationship.

This film is Rated R for sexual content and language. I recommend it with 4 stars. September 14, 2008

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