MovieChat Forums > Great Expectations (1998) Discussion > One of my favorite movies ever but De Ni...

One of my favorite movies ever but De Niro subplot ruined it....

posted 18 years ago by cf1104-1
6 replies | jump to latest

Let me start out by saying this is my second favorite movie all time narrowly behind Vanilla Sky. I have read the book so i know the subplot between De Niro and Hawke is an actuall wonderful exploration of a young man's sense of morality( in the book of course it's Pip.) In the movie they just didnt explore it thoroughly though it left us with some great soundbites (You were the only decent thing in my life, I love paris in the morning) but he pops us up in the beginning and in the end. Also Robert De Niro is great but hes such a popular actor that you knew he was gonna play a much bigger part than his cameo in the beginning. The relationship between Hawke and De Niro just comes off awkward and that is what ultimately gave people such a sour taste regarding this film. I still love this movie because the wonderful parts of the movie heavily outweigh the negative. What do you guys think???

Loose lips sink hips

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Azrael_66 18 years ago

DeNiro was magnificent,he played his part great.He showed that even the lowest members in society can be good,i really like his line"work of a real artist " it shows his humanity

[–] dollymsn 18 years ago

I got the feeling that De Niro was really uncomfortable in the role, like it didn't suit him. It was a bit embarrassing that he was out-acted by Gwyneth and Ethan!

[–] Rogueboi19 17 years ago

I disagree. i thought performances all round were beautiful. i think the presence of the character is there in same way more or less through out. the screen time was alot, but i think played out well.

[–] luvmoviesandmusic 17 years ago

I loved De Niro's role in this film and how it all fit into the movie.

Always Keep A Song In Your Heart

[–] la_cinematheque 17 years ago

You bring up such a good point about De Niro being too famous for what appeared to be a small part in the beginning. I first saw this film when I was 13-ish so that didn't dawn on me at all, but anyone who's old enough to have their wits about them would automatically know he's gonna show up again. If this movie were new to me now that would bother me so much.