It’s rare that a book and its film adaptation can both be masterpieces. A mediocre book can often make a great film, but rarely does a great book make a great film, as the story has already found its perfect form of expression. Yet, such is Anthony Minghella’s skill at adapting Michael Ondaatje’s novel ‘The English Patient’ for the screen, that he takes what is already a poetic, lyrical classic and makes a very different but equally haunting work of art.
It’s also a masterclass of acting. Ralph Fiennes brings his trademark nuanced intensity to the role while the brilliant Kristin Scott Thomas is equally compelling.
There is a beautiful scene where, after a particularly emotional conversation, she turns and walks away from him, only to hit her head on a piece of scaffolding. It is the kind of awkward and painful accident that often happens in life but very rarely in the carefully crafted world of film – it’s a moment that somehow makes the scene realer and sadder.
In fact, there are so many beautiful scenes that it was hard to choose. Finally, I settled on this one, as it showcases the kind of chemistry that makes this Romantic epic of love and war so memorable.
