A Good Year Review
by Tim Voon (winklebeck AT hotmail DOT com)November 10th, 2006
A Good Year (2006)
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 2006 Timothy Voon
3 out of 5 stars
Cast: Abbie Cornish, Albert Finney, Marion Cotillard, Russell Crowe; Director: Ridley Scott
I truly wanted to dislike this film, if only because it was starring Russell Crowe (not one of my preferred actors). However, I left the theatre feeling pleasantly surprised. Maybe I was in a good mood, maybe I was feeling charitable or maybe the cinematography of Provence rekindled fond memories of my travels through the French countryside; which all may have clouded my judgment. Still I did enjoy it.
This isn't your typical Ridley Scott/Russell Crowe movie. There aren't any aliens about to burst through the belly of stockbrokers, or any repressed characters on a homicidal road trip, or even a beefed up gladiator out to change the world - what a relief. It does, however, contain a bespectacled, slightly chubby Russell Crowe making a pain of himself on the London stock market, and even more of a nuisance of himself in the vineyards of France. I think this was probably what I appreciated most about Crowe's understated (arguably bad) performance. It wasn't theatrical and didn't carry with it any of the over the top heroics of his more recent movies.
The story is based on the novel written by Peter Mayle. The story is about powerful stockbroker Max Skinner (Crowe), who inherits his Uncle Henry's (Albert Finney) vineyard in France after his death. It is during this excursion back to the vineyard and childhood memories, that Max faces a mid life crisis of choice and change.
As for Ridley Scott, I am a big fan of 'Blade Runner' and have admired much of his work with the exception of 'Gladiator.' When I heard he was making a film about vineyards and lifestyle dilemmas, I raised my eyebrow first in shock and then in fright. Probably, because I felt he was wandering into territory that was more suited to Ang Lee or Wayne Wang. I don't think he did a bad job with material that isn't ideal for him.
Look there won't be a list of academy award nominations for this light weight film, and yes it is very light weight. This movie is like taking a stroll in the park on a sunny day. You enjoy it, and will probably forget about it in a few weeks time, but this doesn't take away the fact that you did enjoy it when it was happening. 'A Good Year' may be too slow paced for many a Scott or Crowe fan, who maybe confused about this movie project. This film is meant to be slowly sipped like fine wine. If you try to gulf it down, you will lose the enjoyment of the flavors that are meant to linger in your mouth.
Timothy Voon
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