Restoration Movie Review 1994

Set in the 17th century after Charles II is restored to the British throne, the title may instead refer to the restoration of one man's values. After curing one of the king's dogs, physician Downey is elevated to courtier and falls into drunken debauchery. He is soon forced to marry (but not touch) the king's favorite mistress. Unfortunately, he is caught trespassing on his majesty's main squeeze and banished from the court. Cast among the common rabble, he encounters the plague and the Great Fire of London while trying to redeem himself. Strong cast and sumptuous set design help to propel Downey's performance. Adapted from Rose Tremain's 1989 novel. Release was delayed a year because no one could seem to come up with a marketing strategy.

Distribution

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521-1120, Toll-free: 800-723-4763, URL: http://www.bvhe.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 118 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Historical Drama, Period Piece: 17th Century, Royalty, British, Romantic Triangles, Doctors & Nurses, Hard Knock Life

Screenplay

Rupert Walters

Cast

Robert Downey, Meg Ryan, Sam Neill, Hugh Grant, David Thewlis, Polly Walker, Ian McKellen

Cinematography

Oliver Stapleton

Director

Michael Hoffman

Music

James Newton Howard

Producer

Cary Brokaw, Andy Patterson, Segue Productions, Avenue Pictures, Sarah Ryan Black, Miramax Films

Awards

Oscars 1995: Art Dir./Set Dec., Costume Des.