A Good Year (PG-13) :
A Good Year is based on the popular novel by Peter Mayle of the same name. It is a light and easygoing moments. There are some memorable moments, but some forgettable ones as well. Starring Russell Crowe, the movie is directed by the director of “Gladiator”, Ridley Scott.
Russell Crowe plays a London-based financial investor, Max Skinner. Unfortunately, at the same moment he finds his last manipulation under investigation, he inherits his uncle’s rundown vineyard in Provence. He goes there hoping to quickly sell the estate, but is hindered by nostalgic memories of his boyhood (seen in flashback), and a beautiful French waitress, Fanny (Marion Cotillard). There is also a young American woman who shows up saying that she is his uncle’s illegitimate daughter.
Crowe is obviously going for a gentler image with this performance. However, he just doesn't have the skills of a light comedian. He appears to be out of his element.
The lighter the scene, the more forced he seems, like he's trying too hard to persuade us. The rest of the characters do a good job. Cotillard’s performance deserves special mention. Her acting as the heartbroken Fanny is quite convincing.
The film seriously lacks the necessary narrative to carry it through. Sure, there is some incredible scenery. The countryside and lush beauty of Southern France will leave you spellbound. But overall, the movie seems unsuited for Ridley Scott’s style of moviemaking. That is probably to be expected if Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott team up to make a romantic comedy. |
