A Good Woman (2004)

Pleasantly Surprised by Character-driven Storyline

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. The deep characters enthralled me, especially Helen Hunt's character, who lives a conflicted life without regrets--if you can believe that--and who is immediately sympathetic, despite her nefarious reputation. The complex character-driven storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, literally. At one point in the film, I jumped from my seat, angry at one of the antagonists, a wimpy, red-headed prig, with a little dog she obviously loves more than she loves other people--I jumped from my seat in anger, certain she was going to hell. Everything came together in the penultimate scene, which set up a resolution I did not see coming. This is a story about love, trust, gossip, and the nature of truth.

Note that Helen Hunt plays a different kind of character in this film, one that not everyone may find enjoyable. And some of the characters are weak, thrown in for comedic effect, which unfortunately doesn't always work. And if the critics are right, you might enjoy Oscar Wilde's original play more, but you can't get that on DVD.

Bottom line: There is only a handful of films that have enthralled me as A Good Woman has. Despite the critics' balking, 93 minutes well-spent. I rate it 5 stars out of 5, because not only did I love watching it, I feel like I want to watch it again as soon as possible. June 20, 2008

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

I expected light fluff from this movie and was pleasantly surprised to discover it was so much more. It had so many elements that I love in movies: great scenery, great dialogue, wit, humor and touching moments. I watched it twice in one week (not counting the time with the commentary) and cried both times at one scene. Telling too much about the plot will spoil it for anyone who wants to be surprised. Just watch it. Helen Hunt is outstanding. Actually everyone is good. June 1, 2008

Hollywood at its very best

During the last few years while Hollywood was immersed in their orgy of films that celebrate violence, death and destruction three small European companies got together and hired a gifted writer to adapt Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan, for those who may not be familiar, a much heralded stage drama (a Comedy of manners as it was then called) first presented in the London stage in 1892.

Here is story containing much of the original, brilliant wit of Oscar Wilde. Here is a lovely cast of carefully selected, talented actors and here is a motion picture every bit as filmic as anything yet done, re-set at the 1930 seaside village of Amalfi, Italy, a watering place for the rich in pre-Hitler Europe.

The period is lovingly restored perhaps only in the ways of Italian craftsmen in costume, architecture, ambiance and even camera film tone. This care extended to the performances by actors we all recognize and admire; Helen Hunt, here, surprisingly beautiful, Tom Wilkinson and Scarlett Johansson.

The film was not really seen here although apparently released theatrically. Why not is puzzling and why the critics did not like it while they go bonkers over junk is far beyond my ken.

Fortunately I saw the entire movie on Comcast's On Demand completely free of breaks and commercials on my large Sony Bravia. For two hours I was in heaven with my cup of coffee and a cinnamon-raisin bagel from Brueggers' downstairs. If you want to escape to what surely was a more graceful time of letters and human behavior please get a hold of the DVD which is available at this writing.



April 19, 2008

Sorry movie

I am a big movie fan and especially period pieces but this was a sorry movie! Helen Hunt delivered her lines with less emotion than a waitress behind the counter of Denny's. Her voice tones are great for sarcasm but for meaning and depth lines it stinks.

Johansson was as pale as a ghost. Sure she was a very young innocent but she needed some rouge. I also thought she looked downright ugly and dowdy in this movie. Altho the costumes were beautiful she was an ugly ducklying standout.

The whole movie lacked the delicate touch and nuance a Wilde story should have. Helen Hunt was the biggest standout as missed casting. She may do in cutting edge stories in 2000 but not in this period piece.

The scenery and costumes were about the only redeeming factor in this movie. April 13, 2008

Truth and love

Is there such a thing as a bad movie made in Italy? Probably, but at least the scenery's usually good. I can't imagine A Good Woman working in a setting like New York or London, but I don't have to. It's set in 1930's Amalfi, the perfect background for a story like this one. Professional mistress Mrs. Erlynne flees to Italy when too many wives are on to her at home. On the ship, she notices a newspaper photo of a young couple, and she knows exactly what her next move should be. The young wife is innocent and naive, and all sorts of innuendo and gossip go flying around Amalfi that season.
This is a woman's picture, and Helen Hunt as the adventuress has never looked more beautiful. Her voice, unfortunately, is rather too clipped and less sultry than it need to be, but in the end, she pulls of her role. Scarlett Johanssen is well-suited to her character, and both women turn out to be more than they seem at the end. Beautiful wardrobe, very subtle music, and a fine performance by Tom Wilkinson, as a jaded, expat Brit who has learned a little something about reality and happiness, add to the success of this production.
I'm now off to read the Oscar Wilde original. March 25, 2008

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