Quills

Interesting, provocative, incredible, salacious, unpredictable and full of emotion - that's the kind of portrait I have of this divisive and highly "controversial" film. I have to admit that it is one of the most unusual films I have seen so far. It is dominated by the impeccable performances of Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Michael Caine and Joaquin Phoenix, as well as the brilliantly evoked setting of a madhouse. If it weren't for its overtness and over-the-topness, which jarring at times, I would have given it a 5*, but I give it a pretty solid 4* and I have to say that this film will be on my mind for quite a while. (17.11.2009)

I was looking forward to a big acting clash between Geoffrey Rush and Michael Caine, yet, there is so little of Caine's character in Quills that there was no battle and the film became Rush's entitled exhibition. He's great - just like Kate Winslet. However, the rest of the film is quite awkward and even kind of boring towards the end, which surprised me. (03.10.2013)

Quills is brilliant in its visual aspect and acting, but inconsistent in its content. Cynicism and provocation conflict with dramatic romance and the credibility of the relationships. Mixed feelings from a haphazardly mixed cocktail. The filmmakers apparently thought that this contradictory content would ensure that controversy would inevitiably arise around the film. Maybe they succeeded in that, but it didn’t make Quills any better. (18.04.2003)