|
BY PHILLIP NAKOV |
Starring the delightful and talented Diane Lane as writer Frances
Mayes, Touchstone Pictures presents a film directed and written by Audrey
Wells. Based on the
book Under The Tuscan Sun by the real Frances Mayes, audiences are sure swoon
as they watch the delight and passion one woman discovers as she finds herself,
living quite unexpectedly, in Tuscany, under the Tuscan sun. Sandra Oh, who
plays Diane's best friend, the sensational Lindsay Duncan and the devastatingly
handsome Raoul Bova, round out the film's cast.
EXPECTATIONS
What I'd Seen
A terrific trailer, which shows a beautiful countryside, a gorgeous
Diane Lane and a male Italian co-star that surely would make her heart
go pitter-pat. It is not often that a trailer is able to sell the film
so well, but the way this piece was edited, the visuals portrayed, it
was the perfect mix of humor, beauty and romance.
What I'd Heard
I had heard that the countryside of Tuscany is even more beautiful in
real life but that the movie manages to capture the color, essence and
vibrancy of the Italian countryside. I had also heard that the movie
version is only very loosely based on the actual book which is not at
all as engrossing as the story which Audrey developed for the screen
play. I was glad I had not read the book in advance of seeing the film.
What I Wanted
I wanted a heartfelt story told about a heartbroken woman that would make me
feel alive and make me want to go out and buy a house in Italy. I wanted to
see Diane Lane soar as the film's heroine as this is the first time she
is above the title and carries a film on her own.
EXPERIENCE
I knew I was in for a treat when the four women seated behind me in
the screening room had each brought Kleenex tissues in the event they
teared up during the film. They came prepared and they were all glad
they did, for as soon as the movie was over they all stood up simultaneously
and made a bee line for the ladies powder room to touch up their eyes
and make up. They had all been crying quite hard... but not because
it was that sad... but because it was that good.
What Turned Me On
The story as it portrays a woman who has lost her love, her home and
will to find the bright parts of life is gently led to discover new joys,
new love and a new country she can call home. The hedonist character
of Katherine portrayed by Lindsay Duncan who is an aging English actress
who also lives the town and urges Frances to, in the words of Fellini, "live
spherically,' to grab life while it is passing within reach. The
countryside is absolutely stunning; the scenes of Frances cooking in
her newly redone kitchen for her small crew of construction workers and
the joy that is felt towards the end of the movie uplifted my spirit
and made me smile.
What Turned Me Off
At the very end of the film, as it is all coming to a nice finale, we
have a young man who walks up to her as she is sitting in the garden
and tells her he is exploring Italy... he smiles, she smiles... and
if you had seen the whole movie, it was just not necessary. Totally superfluous
and makes it all feel to squeaky clean and neat like a Hollywood ending
movie... which it was not, till then. It had had till that point
a very European flair and feel to it.
Lines Worth Repeating
"Can you * (star) 6-9 Italy?" As spoken by Sandra Oh as
she receives news that Diane Lane's character Frances had just
purchased a house in Italy while on vacation and that she was staying.
Never Saw That Before
Rarely does one see so much love, so much good food, so many wonderful
performances and such good times in one movie. BELLA! BELLA!
Fidget Factor
NONE. You sit, watch and enjoy every wonderful moment and lament when
the movies comes to and end.
AFTERMATH
I left thinking... I wonder what the weather is
like right now in Tuscany and are there any direct flight to Italy from
LAX? Also, how much could a house in Tuscany really cost and would I
be able to get DSL for my laptop there... and finally, would anyone
notice if I did not come into the office to work but just worked from
there?
I left saying... Wonderful movie, terrific performances,
a joy to behold!
Expiry Date: NONE. This is the type of film you can
watch today, tomorrow and re-watch it again on Sunday... charming,
fun and full of joy.
When it comes out on DVD... BUY it, simply a wonderful
film to share with friends, family, loved ones or just to watch while
eating a pint of Hdagen-Dazs.comn bed with a L'Occitane aromatherapy
candle burning nearby. Please make sure you have plenty of clean tissue
nearby.
PS: Watch
an interview with Diane Lane done by yours truly at the junket
just two weeks ago here in Los Angeles.
|
