Tags
2000's, Audrey Wells, Diane Lane, Drama, Lindsay Duncan, Pawel Szajda, Raoul Bova, Romantic Comedy, Sandra Oh, Under the Tuscan Sun, Vincent Riotta
Film Title
Under the Tuscan Sun
Director
Audrey Wells
Starring
- Diane Lane as Frances Mayes
- Sandra Oh as Patti
- Lindsay Duncan as Katherine
- Raoul Bova as Marcello
- Vincent Riotta as Martini
- Pawel Szajda as Pawel
However formulaic and reliant on a tried and tested formula it is, Under the Tuscan Sun boasts an unexpected poignancy and vibrant Diane Lane that make the movie enjoyably warm and involving for the audience to relate to. No new ground is broken, but Under the Tuscan Sun never promises that and it succeeds as a romantic comedy-drama all the same.
Frances Mayes is a San Francisco writer who appears to have a wonderful life. Yet as the film opens, it is blown apart when she unearths that her husband has been cheating on her. Divorce soon follows for a devastated Frances, who falls into the doldrums and can’t seem to get out of them. Her best friend Patti, a lesbian who has just discovered she is pregnant, worries for her friend yet has a surprise that could help her. She gives her the tickets to a tour of Tuscany hoping her friend will find some comfort there. At first extremely hesitant to take the trip to Tuscany, Frances eventually gives in and decides to go. Once there, she impulsively buys a run down villa after a sign appears to her twice in the same day. She has no idea what made her buy the place, but something about it captures her attention. Realising the place needs a desperate makeover, she employs a band of Polish workers with the help of good-hearted real estate agent Martini, who throughout the film supports Frances with his words of wisdom. Along the way, she develops friendships with the workers, particularly Pawel, as well as the eccentric British actress Katherine who lives in the moment and the hunky Marcello, who provides sexiness and passion for Frances. Little by little, Frances begins to open up to the possibilities of life and adventure as she immerses herself in another culture and sets about making changes to herself. And even though not every experience she has turns out well, she regains a part of herself that she thought had been lost forever.
Audrey Wells direction is not entirely devoid of the touchstones of the genre, but she memorably invests Under the Tuscan Sun with a healthy sensitivity and emotional core that is successful at bringing out the many moving moments to be found. Wells also wrote the screenplay which also displays her talent for finding depth among the laughs and colourful characters. As I said, some of the film definitely belongs in the formulaic camp but there are a wealth of moments that delightfully tweak parts of what we usually expect. Take for example the dalliance between Frances and Marcello that at first looks as if it’s going to lead to love(as we’ve seen in God knows how many movies), yet decides to take another unpredictable path we might not have seen coming. Little touches such as this from Audrey Wells script and direction that don’t play to the usual rules give another sense of curiosity and difference to be discovered in Under the Tuscan Sun. It must be stated that the location work in this flick is sublime, and creates Tuscany as a breathtaking paradise. Clothed in a glowing passion and warmth, the countryside and other locales are dazzling and good enough to eat. I have a fondness for Italian things so that’s probably one reason why Under the Tuscan Sun appealed to me so much, as well as a sprightly score.
By by far one of the best assets in Under the Tuscan Sun is the effervescent Diane Lane. One thing about her that has impressed me since the first time I saw her was Diane Lane’s exemplary gift for getting the audience to feel empathy for the characters she portrays. It’s a wonderful talent that she possesses and it never feels phony or contrived. Charting Frances’ slowly building strength to reclaim excitement and enjoyment in life after being left broken, Lane is splendidly moving, funny and thoroughly on point throughout. Sandra Oh supplies the sly humour as Patti, who comes to visit her friend with her usual witty rapport. A splendid Lindsay Duncan sashays onto the screen as the adventure loving Katherine, who has a taste for danger and younger men. Duncan revels in the wonderful supporting role of snappy dialogue and seductive allure of an old-fashioned movie star. Raoul Bova is on hand for the smoldering love interest and is more than adept at playing the handsome possible lover for Frances. The role isn’t one that shows off a lot of acting talent but it’s layered with charisma nonetheless. A warm turn from Vincent Riotta as the well-mannered estate agent who becomes something of a romantic anchor for Frances is nicely observed, while Pawel Szajda has a youthful enthusiasm in his role.
Engaging and given added depth by Diane Lane’s soulful performance, Under the Tuscan Sun is a delightful film that has the clichés you’d expect but laced with enough different and sometimes unexpected touches to stop it from tipping into an unbearable exercise. And with the stunning locales to look over and laughs( mixed in with sincere emotion), what more can you ask for in a romantic drama?
beetleypete said:
I have a lot of admiration for Lindsay Duncan, who is surely one of our greatest actresses to have avoided international stardom through no fault of her own. I doubt I would watch this though, V, unless it was on telly on a Wednesday evening, and it was January.
Cheers mate, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
I too share that admiration. I love how she appears in small but very memorable parts, she chooses her roles well. What do you think of Diane Lane?
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beetleypete said:
I remember her from ‘Rumble Fish’, and ‘The Cotton Club.’ Then I next saw her in ‘Unfaithful’, with Richard Gere, the film she made before this one. She is undoubtedly a serious actress, but I would take Lindsay Duncan every time.
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vinnieh said:
The films I’ve seen her in are more recent, so I’ll have to journey into her earlier work.
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Memy's Meandering said:
I’ve loved this movie since the day it came out and have watched it several times on DVD. It’s a quintessential Re-inventing Oneself/ Change of Life movie. If you loved this movie, try to find a copy of Peter Mayle’s A year In Provence (It was a 4 part series on BBC as well as a book)
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vinnieh said:
It’s one of those movies that just takes you in and makes you feel warm. Thanks for the recommendation.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I thought this was a good adaptation of the book and the casting was great. Another thoughtful and superlative review dear Vinnie!
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vinnieh said:
Hi Kim, Diane Lane really stood out for me in this film. She was glowing and the scenery was sumptuous.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve always liked Diane Lane and I think she was perfect for this.
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vinnieh said:
She’s a really talented actress of depth and beauty.
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vanbytheriver said:
Great movie. Always makes me want to book that flight to Tuscany. ☺
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vinnieh said:
The movie had that effect on me. Would love to visit Tuscany.
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thespiritkeepers said:
I have not seen this film but from the write up I am going to put it on my list. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I’m certain you’ll find it very nice.
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fragglerocking said:
Not my kind of movie but I too like Lindsay Duncan a lot, she was brilliant in ‘Rome’.
Saw Spectre last night! Fab 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Gotta love Duncan. And Spectre rocks.
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fragglerocking said:
Watching it again tonight lol.
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vinnieh said:
It’s one of those movies that retains its freshness.
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Wendell said:
I didn’t hate watching it because Lane is really good. Still, I found it awfully forgettable because, as you say, it’s heavily reliant on a tried and tested formula and it breaks no new ground. Cute? yes. Anything more? Not really.
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vinnieh said:
I could see that it was very cliched but with Lane in the lead, she made it good.
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ninvoid99 said:
It’s an alright film but one that is enjoyable. Especially because of Diane Lane who is gorgeous.
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vinnieh said:
Diane Lane is simply sublime to watch.
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Jay said:
Diane Lane can be such a bubble of light.
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vinnieh said:
Oh very much so. Her radiance is very refreshing.
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KittNoir said:
I loved this film. Good book too
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vinnieh said:
It’s a heart warmer for sure. I didn’t know there was a book, so thanks for telling me.
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oninmac said:
I think i’ll add this one on my list. I’m gonna line it up on our friends’ movie marathon! I wanna fall in love in Tuscany ❤️ Thanks for this! God bless 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Tuscany shines in this movie, it looks wonderful.
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oninmac said:
In bucketlist, added ^^
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vinnieh said:
If you ever want a movie to watch or want to know about, check my index.
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oninmac said:
Sure, I will 🙂 thanks!
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filmsCine said:
What a spot-on review! I love this movie, it’s been a while though, might have to find it in the DVD box.
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vinnieh said:
I enjoy reminding people of movies they love.
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vinnieh said:
I would love to hear your thoughts on this post. https://vinnieh.wordpress.com/2016/07/08/which-actors-and-actresses-seem-to-get-naked-a-lot-on-film/
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ruth said:
Diane Lane is lovely! I enjoyed this one because of her in the lead. Oh and Raoul Bova too, hubba hubba 😉
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vinnieh said:
Diane Lane is simply beautiful in everything she does. And Bova does provide the required eye candy.
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ruth said:
Yeah and I like Sandra Oh as Lane’s best friend too.
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vinnieh said:
Sandra Oh was really funny as the best friend, wasn’t she?
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jennymcread said:
Amazing movie. Always makes me want to flight to Tuscany. haha 🙂 btw I love your blog
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for that nice comment. I really need to go to Tuscany after watching this movie.
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vinnieh said:
And thanks for following my blog.
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reocochran said:
I think the ensemble cast and the unpredictable ending lifts it from the typical rom-com, Vinnie. So glad you had this favorable review. I like how romance isnt as important as friendship and the last scene “speaks of community!” Smiles, Robin
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vinnieh said:
I admired the unpredictable nature of the film, it made me greatly appreciate it.
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Snapshotsincursive said:
Vinnieh, this film has the ability to transport me to “La-La Land”. I am a hopeful romantic! 🌟✨💫
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vinnieh said:
It’s a warm and lovely film, like a comfortable hug.
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Snapshotsincursive said:
Definitely. Well done. 🍓
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Lloyd Marken said:
Diane Lane is just a gem in this movie but Lindsay Duncan just steals the show. She’s so sexy in a very earthy European way.
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vinnieh said:
Miss Duncan is definitely very luminous and sexy.
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