The first two words that come to mind when I think of director Robert Altman are unconventional and ensemble, and with Gosford Park Altman provides with an unconventional take on the mansion murder mystery told with an ensemble cast. It is 1932 and an assortment of upper class Americans and Brits, along with their servants, are gathered at a mansion on the English countryside for a weekend of shooting and gallivanting. The film is actually a dissection and comparison of upper class and working class, and the murder only serves to carry on this entity. Gosford Park is slow going at times and engaging at others, and is not recommended for the ADD viewer. However, for its acting, beautiful photography, nice moments, and realization of time and place Gosford Park is worth the visit.
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