MovieChat Forums > The Hours (2003) Discussion > tiny little point of irritation--Nelle

tiny little point of irritation--Nelle


I basically loved this movie -- so many wonderful actors. Especially loved Ed Harris. Profound.

But like many movies, it allowed in a weak link, in my opinion, and it was that horrid cook Nelle. If she had been my servant (in a world where I would have servants or a cook), she's be fired in a New York minute. But beyond that, there was something not altogether authentic in her acting, even as a horrid servant. It came through for me as an irritating weak spot in the movie -- like child actors sometimes do in movies when they aren't quite up to snuff (little boy here was sublime).

Anyone else have that reaction?

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Oh. I thought she was fine.

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The book is very clear that Nelle has the upper hand in their relationship, and isn't shy about making that clear. And in the movie, Vanessa chides Virginia for "still being afraid of the servants". So Nelle's lines and attitude are consistent with the original character as written.

Whether her acting is up to snuff is a personal call of course!

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