Cinematic Winter of discontent

A MOVIE filled with Big Ideas - true love, religious symbolism, good versus evil, transcending the space-time continuum and so on - inevitably sets itself up for the possibility of a Big Fall. Unfortunately for Winter's Tale, a passion project from screenwriter and producer Akiva Goldsman, the descent from box-office hopeful to major dud is mercilessly swift.

Winter's Tale also marks Goldsman's directorial debut but while being panned by critics is not necessarily a deterrent to commercial success, there is absolutely nothing to suggest that there will be a happy ending here. Despite the connection to a critically acclaimed book - Winter's Tale is adapted from the well-regarded 1983 novel of the same name by Mark Helprin - and some heavyweight casting, the film is about as convincing as a Donald Trump hairdo. Or a three-dollar note. Or a flying horse and some cheesy special effects. Not coincidentally, a winged white stallion plays a significant role in Winter's Tale, which is an allegory - two interconnecting ta…