Designated Mourner, The (1997) Rating: Starring: David De Keyser, Mike Nichols, Miranda Richardson Director: David Hare Category: Drama, Independent Studio: Image Ent. Subtitles: [None] Length: 94 mins     "Magnificently Acted.Exquisitely Written.Nichols, in his film acting debut, turns in a brilliant performance." -Stephen Holden, The New York Times A unique and disturbing work,The Designated Mourner is the feature film version of the hugely successful Wallace Shawn play, which was first staged by David Hare at London's Royal National Theatre with Mike Nichols (whose brilliant performance was the talk of the town) in the leading role of Jack.The play has now been created anew for the screen by the same cast, writer, director and designer. Told almost entirely in direct address, the screenplay by Wallace Shawn is an astonishing tour-de-force, as enthralling as his earlier cult classic, My Dinner with Andre (written and performed with Andre Gregory).Directed by playwright / filmmaker David Hare, starring Miranda Richardson, David de Keyser and one of America's most famous film directors, Mike Nichols, in his feature film acting debut, The Designated Mourner is a genuinely original, intimate, and compelling experience.               Critic's Reviews Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Read Review James Berardinelli Reelviews Read Review