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.
Honestly... 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 #1 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 really 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 synch with most every other aspect of the film!
Segment #2 was a definite improvement. Toned down considerably were the scenes involving slapstick. Only a few brief moments, which were much better integrated into the overall work.
The culture-clash, the true razon d'être of EASY, between Jessica Biel's character, Larita, an independent & 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, for 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.
