“Up at the Villa” is a 2000 drama film that follows a troubled woman who finds herself caught up in a dangerous love affair. Set in pre-World War II Italy, Mary (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) is a wealthy British widow who lives in an opulent villa overlooking Florence. One night, she invites a group of guests over for drinks and is drawn to an American lawyer named Rowley Flint (played by Sean Penn). As the night progresses, their flirtation turns into something more intense and dangerous, as Mary realizes that Rowley has secrets of his own. The film is a tense and erotic thriller that explores the complex nature of love and desire.
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Review
As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Tuscany, Up at the Villa tells a story of love, betrayal, and the struggle for acceptance in a society that values tradition above all else. Set against the backdrop of fascist Italy in the 1930s, this film adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham’s novel is a classic tale of how one woman comes to terms with her place in the world.
The storyline follows Mary Panton (Kristin Scott Thomas), a young Englishwoman who has travelled to Italy to escape her troubled past and start anew. She seeks solace in a Tuscan villa owned by her friend Princess San Ferdinando (Anne Bancroft). There, she meets and falls for Rowley Flint (Sean Penn), an American diplomat who is also unconventional and free-spirited. Their happiness is short-lived when Mary becomes entangled in an affair with an Italian prince (James Fox) which leaves her torn between two vastly different worlds and social classes.
Up at the Villa is a beautifully structured film that captures every nuance of its characters’ emotions. The plot, though simple on its surface, carries with it layers upon layers of complexity that reveal themselves as the story progresses. The tension between Mary’s desire for love and freedom and her fear of social ostracism is palpable and relatable.
The cast delivers exceptional performances that bring these characters to life with depth and sincerity. Kristin Scott Thomas exudes grace even in times of emotional turmoil while Sean Penn plays Rowley with effortless charm despite his imperfect past.
The film also serves as an excellent representation of fascist Italy in the pre-World War II era. It depicts not only the elegance but also the oppression experienced by those who live there during this tumultuous time period. The score compliments each scene perfectly, immersing viewers within the narrative while capturing emotions like fear or euphoria.
The exquisite cinematography transports us to this time and place, where the sumptuous settings of the villa and surrounding gardens evoke a sense of romance and beauty that makes Mary’s decisions all the more poignant.
Director Philip Haas weaves together scenes with expert precision, capturing character’s personalities through dialogue while showcasing breathtaking landscapes. The film’s dialogue is both witty and deeply moving.
Watching Up at the Villa is an emotional journey that stirs deep feelings of empathy for its protagonists. It leaves viewers engrossed in thought about what they would do in such a situation, wondering where their loyalties lie and whether they would have made different choices if faced with the same obstacles.
Even Hemingway himself would have been impressed by this adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham’s timeless novel. Up at the Villa provides us with a glimpse into humanity’s innermost desires and fears while delivering a powerful message about love, morality, and acceptance.
In conclusion, Up at the Villa is a must-see film that stands out as one of the best romantic dramas ever made. Its unique setting, engaging storyline, memorable characters, beautiful score, and exceptional cinematography make it an unforgettable cinematic experience that lingers on long after watching it. This film is undoubtedly deserving of all its accolades – it will remain a cult favorite for years to come.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 115
- Release : 2000-04-14
- Genre : Drama, Romance
- Cast : Kristin Scott Thomas as Mary Panton, Sean Penn as Rowley Flint, Anne Bancroft as Princess San Ferdinando, James Fox as Sir Edgar Swift, Derek Jacobi as Lucky Leadbetter
- Crew : Arnon Milchan as Executive Producer, Celestia Fox as Casting, Sydney Pollack as Executive Producer, David Brown as Co-Producer, Shaila Rubin as Casting
- Popularity 4.031
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company :
- Summary : Superficial people are revealed and drastically changed by circumstance or luck in this a tale of death, seduction, blackmail and theft among British and Americans in Florence in the turbulent days just before World War II.
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