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

In 1938, Mary Panton is a broken young British widow living in Florence. Sir Edgar Swift (James Fox), a prominent Englishman indicated to be governor in India, proposes her to get married with him. The proximity with World War II makes persons living in this city tense, and Sir Edgar lends a gun to Mary, for her safety, while is traveling on business. Mary's best friend in Florence is the Italian Princess San Ferdinando (Anne Bancroft), a woman who loves gossips. One day, Mary goes with their friends to a restaurant, where she meets Rowley Flint (Sean Penn), a man with bad reputation, and she gets upset with him. On her way back home, she almost kills Karl Richter (Jeremy Davies), the violinist of restaurant where she was. The she realizes that he is indeed an Austrian refugee leaving Florence on the next day and a very sensible man. She has an affair him. But Karl falls in love with her and decides not to leave Florence anymore. Mary explains him that she just wanted one night stand with him and Karl, feeling rejected, commits suicide with Sir Edgar's gun. From now on, Mary Panton has to lie, betray and blackmail, trying to survive to the situation raised by this murder. This romance is a good movie. Anne Bancroft has an outstanding performance, and Sean Penn, Kristin Scott Thomas, James Fox and Jeremy Davies has a great acting, as usual. The story is amoral, having ingredients of romance and suspense. The greatest problem, in my point of view, is the lack of chemistry between the characters of Kristin Scott Thomas and Sean Penn. Somehow they do not fit each other, but maybe this is the intention of the novel. I have not read the book. However, it is a good entertainment. My vote is seven.

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

Not enough action, not enough excitement, no explosions, blah blah...This seems to be common complaint amongst previous comments on this film. To which I say "so what". Must every film be a 'major Hollywood event" or "cinematic experience"? This film featured good performance from a fine cast and was well worth spending two hours over. It is also good to see cinematic attention given to Somerset Maugham's work.Kristen Scott Thomas and Sean Penn held the limelight throughout, and that's no bad thing. I'll be honest, I could watch KST standing still for two hours and still be enthralled, and her performance here is radiant. Sean Penn also delivers an understated, and underrated, version of playboy Rolly Flint. Combine glorious backdrops and a good supporting cast, and what's to complain about?