Cultural Event: Remains of the Day

Ever since we began reading Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel An Artist of the Floating World, quick discussion had been brought up about another novel by Ishiguro’s Remains of the Days. We were given the chance to watch the 1993 film Remains of the Day, (based on the novel) and I jumped to that opportunity, thinking I might grasp a better hold of Ishiguro. Whether I understood the author and his concepts to a greater depth is debatable, but I very much enjoy indulging myself into this James Ivory film. I actually watched this movie twice. It was a pretty long movie, extending past two hours, and required listen skills to focus in on a lot of the political discussion taking place at Darlington Hall.

The movie takes place in England at Darlington Hall right before the Second World War. Mr. Stevens (played by Anthony Hopkins) is one of very few butlers left in the house after many years. Darlington Hall is now owned by American Congressman Mr. Lewis (played by Christopher Reeve) after Lord Darlington (played by James Fox), passed away. Miss Kenton (played by Emma Thompson) was the housekeeper of Darlington Hall and sends Mr. Stevens a letter after many years of leaving Darlington Hall and marrying.

The movie begins with a flash back to when Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson) first arrived at Darlington Hall looking for a housekeeping position. With great references, she is hired onto the staff, but many conflicts spark between emotionally repressed Mr. Stevens and strong-willed, yet warm Miss Kenton. Mr. Stevens’ father is hired onto the staff and later dies during a political conference held at Darlington Hall. The conference was very important and Mr. Stevens took much pride in keeping the butlers “invisible” and carries on his duties as though nothing happened.

It is apparent the Lord Darlington is a Nazi sympathizer but to what extend it is not clear. After a comment made at the conference, (of which was to discuss appeasements) Mr. Lewis stands up and makes a comment saying everyone there is “honorable amateurs”. Lord Darlington even had the nerve to demand two Germany servant girls to be dismissed. Miss Kenton was appalled by this and even threatened to leave herself if the girls were to leave. The girls left, yet Miss Kenton did not because she claimed she had no where to go.

I really enjoyed the way this movie was produced. I especially like movies that make me think and listen and getting confused is always fun. It wasn’t until Mr. Stevens left to visit Miss Kenton, (after he received her letter) he ran into a man whom struck up conversation that required Mr. Stevens to explain that he was Lord Darlington’s butler. It was then when I caught onto the Lord’s political stance and that the Lord was not a much liked man because of wrong doings.