The Scarlet Letter (Demi Moore)

REVIEW
Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel of romance, witchcraft and betrayal in colonial America is given a definite Cliffs Notes reworking in Joffé's muddled though handsome adaptation. In a rather one-dimensional portrayal, Moore is Hester Prynne, the noble heroine who falls in love with the local pastor (Oldman), bears a child out of wedlock, is forced to wear a scarlet "A" (for adultery), and must contend with her long-thought-dead husband (a hammy Duvall) bent on revenge. Joffé's film, while looking authentic in design and costumes, has an irritating, disjointed feel to it and most of the actors look embarrassed. We won't even mention how they tampered with the ending.