Cracks (2009)

I'll admit that this was added on the ol' LoveFilm list for less than wholesome reasons. The question is less, what is it about the idea of Eva Green as a nutso free-spirited boarding school mistress and Juno Temple and Imogen Plots as her young wards, that appeals to me but more what about that prospect doesn't!
I'm not proud of myself or my school-girl longings but we all have our kinks. We all fantasise about 'types'-I'm not on trial here!
Ahem.
The other curious thing about Cracks (after the horrible name/title...)  is that it was co-written and directed by Jordan Scott-daughter of Ridley and niece of Tony. I know. Who knew? But she has her own simple methodical style under like father and uncle's bombastic and shallow kineticism, which is to say it looks very similar to the way most British 1940's literary adaptations look- misty, dark green and beige. Which is not to take away from the hard work she's done- for a first film, she aquits herself really well and likely knew it would work in her favour to work in the distinct sub-genre of 'boarding school film'. Not to be disrespectful but if you've seen one.... well you've seen most of all of them- sure, each one subverts the vital parts- the children, the teacher, the tone but they all deal with making makeshift families, dealing with becoming adults and so on.
Cracks is no different. It's set in a girls school and focuses on Eva Green's inspirational teacher Miss G. and her girls who dote on her, headed by prefect Di Radfield, played by Temple. Things are all well, fine and good until a young Spanish aristocrat enters the school and enchants Mrs G. beyond the girls control and her own...
Eva Green seems to be channelling the style of wonky acting, that Johnny Depp does these days. Ehhhh... she's not telegraphing the craziness but i generally presuppose that European woman are nuts. I don't need to see them wacko-it up a notch. It won't surprise you that I thought Juno Temple excellent in this film. She has to be a nasty bitch and a sympathetic sensitive young woman and it's hard not to love those fiesty red puffed-out cheeks.
AhhhHem.
But seriously, Cracks is a nice bit of provocative Sunday-DVD viewing. Bit more emo than Dead Poets Society and a lot less ambitious than '...If' but light, fluffy, enjoyable and entertaining...

I watched Cracks (2009), on DVD via LoveFilm.
My 2011 in Movies will return with The Boys From Brazil (1974)...