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Bernard and Doris | 
 enlarge | Director: Bob Balaban
Actors: Ralph Fiennes, James Rebhorn, Susan Sarandon, Monique Curnen
Studio: Hbo Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $26.98
Buy New: $12.02
You Save: $14.96 (55%)
New (45) Used (12) from $9.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 6333
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 109
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 1000037134
UPC: 883929010059
EAN: 0883929010059
ASIN: B0012YN5AA
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new Factory Sealed DVDs ***100% GUARANTEED!!!***
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Product Description
Inspired by the true story of tobacco billionairess Doris Duke and her devoted Irish butler Bernard Lafferty the touching HBO Films drama Bernard and Doris stars Oscar? winner Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking) and Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient). After failed relationships with her previous waitstaff Doris meets Lafferty fresh out of rehab and without a penny to his name. She takes him on as her butler and he is put in the unenviable position of having to convince the notoriously demanding Duke to keep him in her employ. Directed by Bob Balaban (Gosford Park) the film effectively captures the elegance of a bygone era and is scored with countless musical standards such as Peggy Lee's "The Best Is Yet To Come". Bernard and Doris tells the witty and endearing tale of an unconventional bond between a society "princess" and her flawed "pauper" of a butler.Running Time: 109 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/HBO UPC: 883929010059 Manufacturer No: 1000037134
Amazon.com
Bravura turns by Ralph Fiennes and Susan Sarandon in the title roles carry Bernard and Doris, director Bob Balaban's 2007 film about the long relationship between zillionaire tobacco heiress-philanthropist Doris Duke and her butler, Bernard Lafferty. These are two fine actors (Sarandon has been nominated for five Oscars, winning for Dead Man Walking, while Fiennes has been nominated twice) at the top of their games. That's a good thing, as they are on screen almost constantly; and the truth is that other than the evolution of the Duke-Lafferty bond, not a lot actually happens. Sarandon delivers a measured, almost casual performance as Duke, a woman who seems relatively unpretentious (if clearly entitled) about her vast fortune, despite have done absolutely nothing to earn it. Duke barely even acknowledges her various employees, except to fire them (or occasionally sleep with them; the twice-married heiress has a predilection for studly, much younger men)--until Lafferty comes along, that is. Stone broke and fresh out of rehab (his alcoholism is an ongoing theme), the shy Irishman gradually ingratiates himself with his demanding employer until he becomes as much a companion as a servant. It helps that as a gay man, he has no interest in seducing her; moreover, unlike the many others who are out to get their hands on her money, Lafferty seems to genuinely value loyalty and friendship over more venal concerns ("I just want to take care of you," he says in one of several poignant scenes), and he's rewarded with several million dollars and full control of her estate after her death (in 1993). Fiennes is also admirably restrained in a role that could have been meretricious and over the top; combine that with a fine script (by Hugh Costello) and some great songs by Peggy Lee, and a splendid time is guaranteed for all. --Sam Graham
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 FANTASTIC MOVIE!!!! September 19, 2008
This movie was spectacular! Susan Sarandon caputures the pure essence of Doris Duke. Ralph Fiennes was just great in this challanging and dark role! Excellent cinematography!
 Bernard and Doris September 14, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This was an excellent HBO film for TV with two great actors. I think it demestraigted how poeple (no matter how rich or poor) have certain basic needs; moreover how far we'll go for fulfullment of those needs. Thesetwo indiviuals came fom different back grounds, but I think they loved each other deeply. They went through many trials in their relationship.
This film is Rated R for sexual content and language. I recommend it with 4 stars.
I fell in love with Bernard and Doris September 6, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This beautifully shot and extremely well acted film captures an unlikely friendship at it's heart and eventual co-dependency. Susan Sarandon is her at her finest and creates a dreaming yet real, vulnerable yet strong and well rounded complex 'Doris' while Ralph Fiennes plays a convincingly complexly dysfunctional butler with nothing but love and adoration for Mrs. Duke. It's a charming and delightful tale of misfits who find each other and feed each other's insatiable need for love. Well done.
 Two stars for two stars... June 29, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
Of course, the performances are riveting. Just to be in the same room with these greats is a treat.
However, this is a lifeless film, which might have been titled, "Zombies In Love." It went on and on and
on, drab and exhausting to the final, gray, ending. Or, I should say, it "expired," as did its leading lady. Two more empty-headed, befuddled, besotted (with each other and alcohol) bores could not be
found on the planet. I think it was supposed to be a tragedy, but the true "tragedy" was watching it,
because of one's fascination with these two brilliant actors (not the sad sacks they portrayed). Skip this
movie unless you are "under the influence."
MASTERclass June 22, 2008
HBO must once again be commended for a movie as unexpected and as pleasurable as any seen in recent months, on the big screen or on TV. There is enough in the inspired Sarandon-Fiennes performances to recommend it, in the apt and character-driven dialogue which make this more than your conventional TV bio. There is also Bob Balaban's knowledgeable direction, as well as the choice soundtrack which - both in the jazz instrumentals as in the (unfamiliar-to-me) Peggy Lee: 'I Love the Way You're Breaking My Heart' - becomes as revealing of the characters as does the narrative itself.
Given the expediencies of movie industry, 'Bernard and Doris' regrettably went directly to television. It is unfortunate that many like myself can expect to experience these treasures only by chancing upon them while surfing through cable.
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