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| Movie Review: The Painted Veil Alternate Title: Love in the Time of Cholera
Story: The third screen adaptation
of W. Somerset Maugham's novel is a charm. Is it a
great film? Sadly, no. However, director John Curran
(We Don't Live Here Anymore) and screenwriter Ron Nyswaner
(Philadelphia), have done an admirable job of bringing back
the feel of the classic Hollywood romance film in fine fashion. It is 1925 in the interior of China where bacteriologist,
Dr. Walter Fane, has brought his spoiled, unfaithful wife, Kitty, with
him to his new job in order to fight a growing cholera epidemic. Can a loveless marriage be saved? Can a shallow
flapper become a person of worth by volunteering in an orphanage? Do
good works create character? Can Kitty and Walt ever forgive one another?
Will the imperialist British be appreciated? These timeless questions
will all be worked out in two hours. This is the first American funded film that was made in China in a
very long time. Kudos to producers Naomi Watts and Edward Norton for
holding firm on there commitment not to recreate China but instead,
to film in the real gorgeous mountainous interior. They even found a
village that represents the China of 1925 well. Yes, the censors followed
them around but the cinematography by Stuart
Dryburgh was well worth the effort. The film moves along with few surprises but if
you like beauty, good acting and a film about forgiveness - than this
one is for you. Acting: Naomi Watts is wonderful,
as always, as the spoiled Kitty. Edward Norton never
misses a beat and is one of the finest actors around today. Liev
Schreiber, Toby Jones and an almost unrecognizableDiana
Rigg are first rate too.
Predilection: None
Critters: Oxen, chickens and horses.
Food: Chinese food
Opening Titles: Simple type over film footage of
early 20th century China.
Visual Art: The glorious countryside of China.
Theater Audience: A handful of folk.
Weather: It was hot in China.
Sappy Factor: 2
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: Cholera is not pretty.
Drift Factor: I started to look at my watch after
90 minutes.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: I welled at the end.
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Go for the big screen to enjoy
the grandeur. Edward Norton is a fine actor. Here are
some of my favorite films of his: The Illusionist, The Italian Job,
25th Hour, Frida, The Score, Keeping the Faith, Fight Club, American
History X, Rounders, Everyone Says I Love You, The People vs. Larry
Flynt and the great Primal Fear
Length: Two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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