Impromptu (1991)

Still more Victorian country-house shenanigans: novelist George Sand (Judy Davis, affected but pretty darn charming) has eyes for Franz Liszt's young protégé Chopin (Hugh Grant, solid as always, but burdened by a silly Polish accent and a script that never lets him stretch out), but various lovers, jealous rivals, and Chopin's own overdeveloped sense of propriety conspire to confound her. Impromptu is witty but overlong--probably 20 minutes of hijinks and repartee, not to mention several completely gratuitous and redundant characters, could have been sliced from the film. Davis plays Sand as an impetuous, overgrown tomboy, outraging her genteel hosts by wearing pants, chomping cigars, and falling off horses; her coterie of artist-friends assure us, in a series of naked plot devices, that she nonetheless has a heart of gold. It's all good silly fun, and about as feminist as your average Def Leppard video--the other two developed female characters are ugly stereotypes: a featherbrained, feckless social climber (Emma Thompson, who once again proves she's up for anything) and a spiteful, back-stabbing shrew (the ever-capable Bernadette Peters). Director James Lapine clearly belongs to the Dr. Quinn school of historical accuracy, so don't expect to learn anything about the period or the artists themselves. Impromptu is far more Melrose Place than Mrs. Dalloway, or perhaps best described as an episode of Entertainment Tonight set in the 19th century. --Miles Bethany Amazon.com

Chopin and George Sand

A fun and imaginative movie about the relationship between Chopin and George Sand (Aurora Dupin). Not historically accurate but it is a comic romance so who cares? Wonderful performances by all involved. Emma Thompson as the giddy Duchess and Mandy Patinkin as Albert were standouts. The cinematography was worth watching the movie for as the film was made in France on location. The detail that caught my eye was when the three coaches showed up or left the Duchess's estate I could see that Lizt's coach had Hungarian horses, Chopin's coach had Polish horses, and George Sand's coach had French horses. I love horses and that detail made my day. I was so inspired by this movie I have since read two of George Sand's novels and have always loved Chopin's music. BTW the movie is filled with Chopin's music. March 2, 2008

Good movie

I am a fan of the music of Frederic Chopin and I have seen other movies that tell his story. Although this is not a true story it is a fun movie to watch. I enjoy the music that is played throughout. The casting for Franz Listz (Julian Sands) was the best. I would recommend this movie for any music devotee. November 22, 2007

My Favorite

Impromptu is my favorite all time movie. It well written, well acted by a flock of fine performers and it's funny plus being historically accurate
and filled with beautiful music. George Sand (Judy Davis)pursues Chopin (Hugh Grant)and at the end they go off to Majorca. Impromptu is intentionally funny. A Song to Remember is almost as funny but not on purpose. George Sand (Merle Operon) carts Chopin (Cornel Wild)off to Majorca and they have problems. Together they make a great pair of movies for a weekend.
Helen September 16, 2007

One of my favorite films

This has to be one of my all time favorites. It is a wonderful, funny, romantic look at the beginning of the relationship between Chopin and Georges Sand. Judy Davis is a marvel as Sand, conniving, volatile, loving. Hugh Grant at the beginning of his career invests Chopin with an otherworldly charm that is unforgettable. The whole cast is marvelous. You cannot help but laugh out loud at the antics this group of artists (Liszt, Delacroix, Sand) get up to. Do yourself a favor and watch this wonderful film. It will take you to another world for a few hours. You'll enjoy the journey. July 28, 2007

Thre is no double standard for George Sand

James Lapine is best known as a playwright and director. He is most famous for his collaborations with Stephen Sondheim including Sunday in the Park with George, Passion and Into the Woods. He brings this talent to the big screen.

George Sand was a great French writer. Since society thought that women should be subservient housewives, George wanted to fly in the face of society. She wrote under a man's name and dressed like a man. She treated men as playthings. Therefore, she was the scandal and titillation of Paris.

That is until she is introduced to the shy Polish composer Frederic Chopin. When she hears his music, she becomes enchanted with him. But Frederic wants nothing to do with such a notorious woman. So George decides to give Frederic a woman that he wants.

This is a brilliant romantic comedy with a cast of up and coming actors. Judy Davis has always chosen interesting role from her early Australian films to her television roles. This is another great meaty role for Judy and she eats it up. Hugh Grant was a relative unknown when this film was made but this film would be the first of the quintessential Hugh Grant characters. In supporting roles are Lapine regulars Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin. Also in the film are early roles by Emma Thompson and Julian Sands.

If you are looking for something witty and intelligent, Impromptu is definitely the film to watch.

DVD EXTRAS: NONE
September 4, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...