Audrey Wells' "Under the Tuscan Sun" is generally not the type of film I look forward to. Even your average, forgettable romantic-comedy is filled with sappy, melodramatic overtones and over the top acting from Hollywood's best (paid) and brightest (jewelry). But from the previews you could tell that this film wanted to be more.
The story, alone, is different from most simple dating flicks. A middle-aged author (Diane Lane) ventures to Italy after a messy divorce and a creative drought. There she hopes to rekindle her life and hopefully her passions.
As one would assume, she is met with culture shock. She doesn't know the language or the customs. Though there is distinguished beauty to the land, there are also torrential thunderstorms and a visiting owl perched on her nightstand. Not what she is used to from her native San Francisco. The people seem friendly enough, but they are all driven by a perceived universal understanding that she does not share.
The villa she purchases is indeed beautiful, but it is also old and in need of repair - much like herself. She begins renovating the house and the plaster and rock become a metaphor for her own growth in the new region.
Much of what I have described seems like items we have experienced before in movies. And many are. But never do they seem over-used or washed up. Lane brings a melancholy charm to the role that could easily have fallen into emotional wrought or intense bitchiness. Instead, we follow her through Tuscany dreading and cheering her choices; loving and sympathizing with her.
Throughout the film there is a warm, self-deprecating humor that is both funny and human. The supporting characters have fully enriched lives of their own and are not just crutches for the primary plot. Much of the story is about love, wallowing in it, shining in it, wishing for it. But the story descends much deeper into the purpose for one's life and the need for companionship. I was especially impressed with a subverted plot that contrasts uptight American values with those of the laid-back Europeans.
Though some of the story lines are recycled, it is rare that they are presented this well done and with such a genuine feel. There isn't a second of this film I could do without. In many ways, I honestly can say I enjoyed it more than I would like to. A cynic like myself can't be enjoying movies like these too often. **** out of ****
The story, alone, is different from most simple dating flicks. A middle-aged author (Diane Lane) ventures to Italy after a messy divorce and a creative drought. There she hopes to rekindle her life and hopefully her passions.
As one would assume, she is met with culture shock. She doesn't know the language or the customs. Though there is distinguished beauty to the land, there are also torrential thunderstorms and a visiting owl perched on her nightstand. Not what she is used to from her native San Francisco. The people seem friendly enough, but they are all driven by a perceived universal understanding that she does not share.
The villa she purchases is indeed beautiful, but it is also old and in need of repair - much like herself. She begins renovating the house and the plaster and rock become a metaphor for her own growth in the new region.
Much of what I have described seems like items we have experienced before in movies. And many are. But never do they seem over-used or washed up. Lane brings a melancholy charm to the role that could easily have fallen into emotional wrought or intense bitchiness. Instead, we follow her through Tuscany dreading and cheering her choices; loving and sympathizing with her.
Throughout the film there is a warm, self-deprecating humor that is both funny and human. The supporting characters have fully enriched lives of their own and are not just crutches for the primary plot. Much of the story is about love, wallowing in it, shining in it, wishing for it. But the story descends much deeper into the purpose for one's life and the need for companionship. I was especially impressed with a subverted plot that contrasts uptight American values with those of the laid-back Europeans.
Though some of the story lines are recycled, it is rare that they are presented this well done and with such a genuine feel. There isn't a second of this film I could do without. In many ways, I honestly can say I enjoyed it more than I would like to. A cynic like myself can't be enjoying movies like these too often. **** out of ****