Returning to a rather Tepid Film and re-discovering Kristin Scott Thomas, September 23, 2011 By Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME) This review is from: Up at the Villa (DVD) UP AT THE VILLA received a rather lukewarm acceptance at the box office when it appeared in 2000. One of the advantages f DVD and of On Demand television viewing schedules is that we are offered a second, less than prejudiced look at a film that holds up rather well with age. W. Somerset Maugham's story is adapted for the screen by Belinda Haas and directed by Philip Hass and t proves to be a rather credible tale of the British and American outlooks on love and life all in the setting of pre-WW II Italy. There are flaws in the film, but it is the opportunity to see the radiant Kristin Scott Thomas deliver a role with such understated and quiet dignity (she now is playing in French films as well) that makes the re-visit worthwhile.Mary (Scott Thomas) is a penniless well bred woman who has a brief assignation with an Austrian immigrant Karl Richter (Jeremy Davies) that ends in a tragic death. At present Mary is living in a villa in Florence, Italy, the intended of the wealthy Sir Edgar Swift (James Fox) who despite being older than Mary and less ardent in his association with her (he is close to being assigned the Governor of Bengal), offers her a future of ease and means. Mary is counseled by Princess San Ferdinando (Anne Bancroft) to proceed with the planned marriage, but Mary meets American playboy Rowley Flint (Sean Penn) and begins to challenge her own concepts of the forces of physical attraction and independence against those of promised luxury. A bit of intrigue enters to muddy the waters, and all characters become involved in an Italian scandal that represents the tenor of the times: Mary has the good fortune to discover some documents that not only free her from accusations but brings down the Italian officials as well. If this all sounds a bit confusing then it should be noted that the story (and film) are more about human actions under pressure of circumstances, about relationships, flights of fancy, slip-ups, weaknesses, trust and emotional maneuvering than a simple straightforward Italian/British/American tale.The cast is varied - Bancroft gives one of her signature performances, Sean Penn seems out of his element - but the beauty and skill of Kristin Scott Thomas make the film worth savoring. Grady Harp

"You're never a great man, when you have more mind than heart." E.P. Beauchene In a nutshell, Mary, (Kristin Scott Thomas), a distractingly beautiful English widow has more heart than mind in this period piece. A noble thing to have, unless your naivety of heart gets you into places you never dreamed your heart would lead you.This excellent period piece takes place in fascist Italy. A group of English aristocrats worlds intertwine, with a twist. Kristin Scott Thomas' charmingly elegant character sparks life so intriguing, you'll find yourself leaning toward the tube.Many reviewers peg this as a tale of "lust". I disagree. I find no lust at all in this movie. What I do find, is a woman torn by her emotions and doing the right thing or the "kind" thing. Even Sean Penn is laid-back with his enduring advances.I found it to be a monument to human emotions, both caring and caustic.

I suppose part of the reason I like little films like this is in reaction to the Hollywood over the top blockbusters.The characters is this movie are well developed and believeable. The British lord looking for a wife that he can handle and that he can show off, and picking up Kristin Scott Thomas for cheap, he thinks.Anne Bankcroft playing the insultated lying Princess, way over the hill, but trying to still pretend she is in the elites.Sean Penn, Rowley, the American scoundrel with integrity.Rather than rehash the main details which is what everyone else has done, I just wanted to try to balance the negative comments of some, saying that this movie I would very interesting and quite entertaining and delightful.A light suspence costume drama set in beautiful Italy under the fascists. I gave it a 9.

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