Easy Virtue (2009)

........................................................from Pasto,Colombia...Via: L.A. CA., CALI, Colombia and ORLANDO, FL EASY VIRTUE is a clear example of the fact that making an outstanding film just isn't all that EASY! When was the last time a Noel Coward play was made into a movie, anyway? I could've looked it up, but I'll leave it to you, if you really think it's all that important! I'll wager the Producers, Director & Screenwriter didn't see most of the screen adaptations of his plays done in the 30's/40's on TV when they were kids, as I did. Seemed they were a bit out of their element...at times.The end result: It's EASY to see the film was being pulled in several different directions, which was most apparent early on. In fact, EASY can be divided into 3 segments of roughly 30 minutes each.Segment one really didn't seem to know where it was going. It suffered from poor pacing and a pervasive tension on the set that permeated several of the scenes. What had me close to quitting on EASY were the very awkwardly inserted bits of slapstick, obviously an attempt at comic relief, but which seemed utterly contrived and out of sync with most every other aspect of the film.Segment two was a definite improvement. Toned down considerably were the scenes involving slapstick. Only a few brief moments, which were much better integrated into the work. The culture-clash, the true razon d'être of EASY, between Jessica Biel's(Cellular) character, Larita, an independent and free- spirited American race-car driver of sorts, and the lady of the manor, Mrs. Whittaker (Kristin Scott Thomas/The English Patient), who turns out to be one lady with an extremely controlling and manipulative manner, is handled much more smoothly in the second segment, and, as a consequence, these scenes are much more amusing, even occasionally funny! The closing segment really had me in its grip. The ensemble cast really shone. Finally, we see evidence of why so many of Noel Coward's plays were made into movies. All the outstanding elements; costumes, sets and music among others, really contributed to a very fulfilling final ½ hour! Colin Firth deserves a mention, perhaps EASY's best performance. Had the entire film been at segment three's level, 8*--EASY! However, I feel 6* is a fair overall rating.....ENJOY/DISFRUTELA! Any comments, questions or observations, in English or Español, are most welcome!

This is really bad. Not only because of some idiotic character actions, but because we're supposed to sympathise with a woman while given no reason to do so.I saw an Easy virtue film made in 1928 (by Hitchcock nonetheless) and it was good. Not brilliant, but moving. The sad story of a divorced woman who hasn't really done anything wrong but got caught in a bad situation and whose past catches up with her.In the 2008 film we also have a woman who's apparently persecuted by her in-laws. But this Larita is no poor innocent victim of an unwanted scandal. We see this at the end when she admits to having indeed killed her former husband (a euthanasia case). Before this we are only treated to her being all carefree and with no consideration for the family's needs. And we are expected to applaud such a person? Her husband is obviously better off without. Cerise sur le gateau, the husband's father runs away with her after an indecent dancing scene. It's all very "emancipated".Spare yourself and do not watch this progressive garbage. I only give it 2 stars for the acting, it's solid enough and I was pleasantly surprised by Jessica Biel.

The Verdict This is a British movie and not your typical Hollywood fast food production. Worth checking when just relaxing is not your only objective as some mind and soul effort might be required.The Positives I have to admit: like many other people, I like fast food restaurants. They are familiar, predictable, proved, conveniently located, fun for the whole family, and – let us be honest – very addictive. However, if we want to experience the real art of cooking, we would not even look in their direction and go for something else.The skillful Hollywood craftsmen know how to use very basic, crude techniques to manipulate us into feeling excitement, compassion, fear, suspense, lust, and simply make as feel good, even if for a short period of time. That is what I call Hollywood fast food. Ninety-five percent Hollywood movies are like that and in most cases, that is exactly what we need: some relaxing predictable fun, something to satisfy our primitive movie addictions. Nevertheless, if we want to experience the real art of movie making, we will turn to movies like "Easy Virtue". Not perfect in any sense, this movie offers what the majority of the movies cannot – the real art instead of an industrial craftsmanship. Jessica Biel and Kristin Scott Thomas are great as the main antagonists. Together they create several scenes of great intensity where both comic and dramatic overtones blend into an explosive mixture and create a real feast for the viewer. Colin Firth is very good as usual in a supporting role.The clever, touching story based on a good literary source - Noel Coward's play and the confident directing by Stephan Elliott form a solid foundation of "Easy Virtue". The good overall art direction, set decoration, costume design, music score, and make up are definitely worth mentioning and are important in creating the unique atmosphere of the movie. The Negatives Not all of the story lines and the scenes are equally engaging. Some of them are considerably more powerful and intense, deep and thought provoking, funny or dramatic then the others.There is an unnecessary and avoidable partial nudity in one of the comic episodes as well as some strong sexual overtones in the other episode where just a hint would work even better and be more appropriate.knowyourmovie.blogspot.com

Easy Virtue was a bit dull than i expected it to be,i mean most of the British comedies that i have seen are better than this.An American living amongst core English family is an idea which can be made pretty damn funny but Easy Virtue falls short of that fun & focuses more on the messy stuff of relations and responsibilities etc etc.Hilarity is a bit fitful for the most part..its about a young Englishman who marries an American woman and brings her to his native home to his English family,now expectingly this turns out to be slight incredulous for his family & esp his mother which makes the American incongruous, how she tries to make up is the main agenda covered by the film.The story has a lot of potential but overall the film fails to maintain the standards,so the only description which fits....its an average British comedy with bits and pieces of humor!!!