Lair of the White Wormby Anonymous

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August 28, 2003: I once heard Ken Russell say that he thinks this is the best film Hugh Grant has ever done but Grant never mentions it. Shortly thereafter, I watched Grant on “Inside the Actor’s Studio” and the closest he came to acknowledging this movie was calling it a “mad Ken Russell Film.” Looks like Russell was right on both counts. Let’s point out straightaway that by today’s standards this is quite campy. The symbolism is undeniably obvious, but the story is both fun and frightful. Admirers of the romance-movie Grant won’t appreciate this film, but fans who see him as the incredibly gifted actor that he is will truly enjoy this movie. His performance as Lord Dampton is quite similar to his roles in “Rowing with the Wind” and even to some extent “Sense and Sensibility.” In my opinion, Hugh Grant is an incredible actor that has proven himself in all sorts of roles. I wish he’d take a slight detour from his current status as the lovable hero in so many date movies and head back in the direction of his earlier films. This is an enjoyable cult film and I’m quite happy it is finally available on DVD. Special note: look for Gina McKee’s (the talented actress from PBS’ “The Forsyte Saga” and Grant’s attorney-friend in “Notting Hill”) character in “Lair.”