Up at the Villa (2000)

Few critics or fellow film fans have given this period romance much slack, perhaps expecting more passion or more overt drama. As it's a Somerset Maugham adaptation, the simple tale deals with folks whose manner does not allow for much passion, who live in a period where reasonable marriages are prized--and that is the problem our repressed heroine, Kristen Scott Thomas faces as she grapples with oncoming age and a lack of financial resources; she meets American rascal Sean Penn, who is not Cary Grant nor was meant to be, but a playful lover who lives for the moment; it's refreshing to see Penn stretch different acting muscles without the usual angst and anger; There are numerous side benefits for those who enjoy an immersion in period--Tuscany during the rise of repressive Fascism, the Villa on well-manicured grounds, and Anne Bancroft deliciously dishy as a self-indulgent American princess. It's not a great film by any means, but I recommend it as a leisurely cinematic amble for a Sunday afternoon matinée. Afterwoods you can go out on the lawn for a game of croquet.

Kirsten Scott-Thomas is electrifying, sensual and beautiful, albeit against an unspontaneous and wooden Sean Penn, whose character, and thus the relationship with Scott-Thomas, were unduly constricted by the novella that inspired the movie. Were this not the case, a magnificent film might have emerged.Overcoming the shortcomings are the dialogue, exceptional casting (Anne Bancoft is terrific and Massimo Ghini is machismo, charming and threatening -- think James Mason), Firenze, and inspiring photography and costuming, all embraced by a charming and captivating story.If you find Scott-Thomas to be an English Grace Kelly, and love the pre-WWII period in Italy, this unappreciated jewel is a feast.

Pre-WWII European governments were staffed by bureaucrats or aristocrats who advanced by maintaining the status quo; by avoiding attention or destroying rivals. In this environment, the main character, a widowed British expatriate, has no options beyond a marriage of convenience. In the confusion surrounding preparations for WWII, she encounters the elements of risk and life or death decisions, changing her options. Very interesting story, typically good Scott-Thomas, appropriately low-key Penn. Maugham liked to put his characters in traps and then see if he could get them out. Shades of "Casablanca."

I was intrigued when this film showed up on the day's TV roster and even more intrigued when I found out who the cast are and read a quick synopsis of the story. Most of the reviewers here, at IMDB, have made the movie sound dreadful. I found it hard to believe that anything with Sean Penn and Kristin Scott Thomas would be awful and had to check out the film for myself. My conclusion -- it is quite good, engaging, and definitely worth watching.The lead actors as well as most of the supporting cast are rather wonderful. Though, I wish that someone slightly more dashing and not so limp played the role of the Austrian student, even if the stumbling manner and sudden onset of neurosis are required of the part. The scenery is inviting; the sets are great; the variety of accents is interesting; some of the extras are a bit shaky. The film is not so much about the setting, the era, or the social/political/economic spheres, though all of these have a firm bearing on the events and characters. It is chiefly about human actions under pressure of circumstances, about relationships, flights of fancy, slip-ups, weaknesses, trust and emotional maneuvering. "Up at the Villa" addresses these topics as good as any other period film.I recommend this movie to those who, like I, enjoyed more than one of the following:The Talented Mr. RipleyGosford ParkHowards EndCountry LifeThe Wings of the DoveA Room with a ViewThe Remains of the Day