Product Description Oscar-winner Helen Mirren delivers a tour-de-force performance in this Masterpiece Theatre mystery as a washed-up rock singer drawn into the deadly underworld of the art trade. .com Helen Mirren fans will delight in this 1997 Brit-mystery TV film (originally a miniseries) that reportedly was written expressly for her by its writer, Allan Cubitt. Painted Lady equal parts a character study of a remarkable woman (faded blues singer Maggie Sheridan, played by Mirren) and an enthralling murder mystery involving the European art underworld. And a grisly world that is. Mirren’s reclusive Sheridan has taken up residence at the grand Irish estate of her friend Sir Charles Stafford and his troubled son, Sebastian (Iain Glen), and seems content to make her music for a much smaller audience than in her heyday--a handsome young boy toy who may or may not have ulterior motives. When Sir Charles is murdered, Maggie is compelled to help track him down, which means donning a disguise as a wealthy art patron trolling through the art underground looking for a painting stolen at the time of the slaying. Mirren is as deft at playing Maggie the talented almost-has-been singer as she is a fired-up but naïve private investigator. Maggie has none of the street smarts of Mirren’s Prime Suspect character, Jane Tennison--but there’s a steely determination the characters share. Painted Lady is a gripping crime thriller starring one of the best actresses ever. Fancy that? --A.T. Hurley P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); Review Anyone looking for a gritty, superbly acted whodunit will find a gem in Painted Lady. -- Movie City NewsComplex, intriguing and highly entertaining. -- MemorableTV.comHelen Mirren sparkles. -- San Jose Mercury NewsIt's timeless, a true masterpiece of a mystery -- San Antonio Express NewsJane Seymour's portrayal of the utterly evil Cathy is by itself worth the price of the set. -- Brattleboro Reformer (VT)Mirren dominates with her sharp intelligence and ability to assume character effortlessly. -- Shepherd Express entertainment newspaperShe's never less than riveting -- San Francisco ChronicleSuperb... keeps you captivated the whole time. -- Blogcritics Magazine See more
B**D
Very violent, rather ridiculous plot, creepy
I can't really fault the acting in "Painted Lady", and the package warns about "nudity and sexual situations", but the script is ridiculous, the storyline is implausible, and some scenes are WAY too violent for my taste. Early on when the dog turned up dead, I knew it was going too far, and that was before the human torture scenes. Maybe the homoerotic elements were more shocking and taboo at the time this film was made, but the general mood of the film overall is just plain creepy. I don't mind ambiguity and loose ends in drama, and thought the plot would entertain me because of my interest in art, but I found myself wishing my dvd player had an "un-see" button.
B**0
As Layered as an Oil Painting
I remember this miniseries from when it first aired, particularly the scene where Helen Mirren's character lies back in the bath just like the lady in a well-known painting. It's just one scene that mirrors the works of art at the center of the plot. Like so many Masterpiece Theater productions, this one is rich in writing, performances, settings, cinematography, wardrobe -- everything. The plot is also many-layered, though sometimes a bit hard to follow. Mirren's portrayal of Maggie Sheridan is flawless: the beyond-her-prime singer, the former abuser of substances and product of failed relationships, the actress within the performer who can take on a whole other personna she didn't know was in her, the 'woman of a certain age' with all that connotes. Americans had just gotten to really know her on Prime Suspect when this whole great reach of other characterization was broadcast. It's lovely on many levels, even in the ugliness of some of the plot twists. But Maggie Sheridan becomes as real a person to us as someone we've known in our own mid-life, and she's worth the knowing after all.
B**N
Painted Lady
Helen Mirren does a masterful job of portraying a semi retired rock singer who assumes the role of an art collector to solve the murder of a friend, even at the risk of her own life. It is an engaging, complex mystery story that challenges the viewer. It contains some nudity and sexual situations.
M**E
Murder and Art Theft
A compelling murder mystery (supposedly conceived as a means for Helen Mirren to distance herself a bit from her long-running "Inspector Jane Tennyson" character) involving art theft that cleverly weaves the life and art of 17th century Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi into the story. This story should definitely appeal to Mirren's fans, as well as those who love art.
J**D
Strong Acting
I liked the acting in this movie. I found it through a search for Helen Mirren films. However, the plot really does not make sense and the ending is abrupt and there is no resolution and explanation. The characters do inexplicable things so the action on which the entire film is based makes no sense. In addition, the scenes jump around and one thinks, what just happened? So, why did a rate it a four? Because the film stayed on my mind when most do not.
K**R
The whole quality was poor.
While I love the story and the film and Helen Mirren, the quality of the video was very poor, and any scenes with walking seem to be sped up. The whole quality was poor.
A**4
Still a pleasure.
I bought the DVD to replace the videoptape. An entertaining introduction to the dark side of art collection, and the acting of Helen Mirren amd company. Still enjoyable.
K**R
Good enough for a rainy afternoon
Mirren is always compelling. I enjoyed the movie and found it interesting enough to keep my attention. Not a movie I'll indulge in again and again but worth seeing.
C**W
Five Stars
A cracking story
G**D
A+
Great
C**M
Art World Mystery
A very good mini series set in the art world. It's a bit older - 1997 - but still very good. With Helen Mirren and other good actors you can't go wrong. A must see!
K**H
Good but not what I would call awesome.
I purchased this because of Helen Mirren. Well acted, wasn't overwhelmed with the story line. Still worth purchasing, and I will certainly watch it again.
N**E
Painted Lady
Splendid acting from the cast. Good story and suspense plus gentle British humour, what more can one ask for, plus the fabulous Helen?
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