The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (2003)

A beautiful cinematic adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ first novel, The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, tells the emotional story of Karen Stone (Mirren), an aging American actress who falls for a young Italian gigolo of captivating beauty (Martinez) after the untimely death of her husband, Tom (Dennehy). In typical Tennessee Williams fashion, Mrs. Stone finds romance, but ultimately loses control and steps into a dangerous world of chaos.

BELLISSIMA

Beautifully designed, photographed, directed and acted this is a mature and disturbing adaptation of Tennessee Williams' novella about the terror of losing one's youth and beauty. A ruthless look at the shattering effect of grief, it has the power to haunt. Should not be missed by anyone looking for adult and intelligent drama. The screenplay by Martin Sherman is first rate. He adds a unique perspective to Williams' work by emphasizing the Italian aristocrats' attitude toward America after the war. The addition of the Christopher character, obviously modeled on Tennessee Williams, is an inspired invention. It allows the otherwise isolated Mrs. Stone to have a sympathetic confidente who provides comfort and an unheeded warning of doom. Far more intelligent, erotic, and faithful to its source than the original which was not shot in Rome. The only glimpses of Rome in that earlier film are some second unit shots of a woman, obviously not Vivien Leigh, walking aimlessly through the city. This later version has stunning scenes filmed in many beautiful Roman locations. A movie to cherish. August 22, 2008

Fearless Helen Mirren

This is an interesting film based on a play by Tennessee Williams. I have not read the play, seen it performed, or seen the original film version starring Vivian Leigh. Having said all that, I can't imagine how anyone else would play this part. Helen Mirren is marvelous as the aging American actress having an affair with the young Italian con man. The scene where the two are sunbathing nude is a brave move on Ms. Mirren's part. Can you think of another leading actress, while nude, would hold her hand up to the sleeping form of her character's lover and contrast how her skin has aged compared to his? July 20, 2008

DVD the roman sring of mrs stone

This film Of Tennesse Williams novel, starring Helen Mirren, is wonderful.
The acting is superb especially helen Mirren as Mrs Stone . It captures the pathos of the book so well .
It is rivetting to watch and leaves one thinking about it well after.
It really is a study in the architype of the once famous and beautiful woman who is fading due to age and other factors and the foolish things she does to hold on to youth . All present day celebreties should see it and ponder their fate. April 27, 2008

THE MAGNIFICENT MIRREN !

The superior adaptation. A very rare, BETTER than the original, remake. All concerned shine. Mirren is extrordinary. The Williams novella is actually improved upon, yet it retains his wonderful "language". Why is this excellent film almost forgotten? Did it win any awards? It certainly should have if it did not - especially the magnificent Mirren.
Slight "extras", but worthwhile (i.e a brief Mirren talk about her roll).
It's "full screen", but don't let that deter you - it's not a "widescreen" kind of film. It's an intimate tale of ruin and rot.
And if you love Vivien Leigh (as I do), her 1961 performance should not be missed (although Warren Beatty is excruciattingly terrible, which all but ruins a worthy effort for its time).
If only one is in your budget range, this the one to get (but Leigh's version is of value too - FOR HER). February 24, 2008

Mesmerizing!!

How can you go wrong with Tennessee Williams and Helen Mirren? I won't go into all of the details of this movie, but I can tell you that the scenery was stunning and Helen Mirren was even more so. That woman can act! She made me feel compassion for her in every scene even when I was thinking that she should wake up and realize what was going on with her paramour. Also, late, great Anne Bancroft played the Contessa to the hilt. Everything about her, including her appearance, made her treachery apparent. A good movie that I wouldn't mind seeing more than once. December 18, 2007

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