Impromptu

I first saw this film courtesy of "Masterpiece Theater", a weekly program presented by PBS -- had it not been for the good taste of one PBS program manager out there, I might never have seen this charming and provocative film.

Yes, it's a period piece. Yes, there are flounces and top hats and castles and duels. But the core of "Impromptu" explores love, jealousy, and the process of artistic creation in ways that keep the film captivating for the most jaded modern viewer.

Judy Davis capably assumes the mantle of convention-bucking authoress George Sand, providing a fiery counterpart to Hugh Grant's self-deprecating (and effective) Chopin. Mandy Patinkin shines as one of Sand's many jilted ex-lovers, and Bernadette Peters is maliciously admirable as Sand's "friend" who wants Chopin for herself. Emma Thompson's hilarious cameo as a dense provincial duchess itself provides almost enough reason to watch the film.

"Impromptu" boasts a great ensemble cast, witty dialogue, balanced humor and pathos, luscious period costumes and scenery, and the music of Chopin playing all the while -- what more could one want? "Impromptu" unfolds like a 19th-century soap opera, with arresting characters and meditations on art saving it from the banality of a typical romance...or a typical period piece.

This one's worth the flounces.

Well, I saw this movie yesterday and thought it was good; since it told us about Mr. Chopin's life. I really liked the way this movie told us his life because we realize he was a very timid person, which perhaps was the truth. I certainly like the way Hugh Grant stars as Chopin. I never thought he could act so well, he envelops himself into the role quite well. I think this is definitely his best performance; this is the only Hugh Grant's movie I've liked so far. It was completely delightful to listen to the way he played the piano. It's also remarkable, as Madame George Sand fell in love with him because of the way he played it. This movie has a good plot, and you'll find out many interesting things about Chopin's life over the course of the movie. I truly found out a lot of things about his life after watching this. As for Judy Davis; I think she carries out her role admirably, she really knows how to act. The costumes and the scenery were completely fitted to the movie.

Overall, I think this is an enjoyable movie that tells us about Chopin's fears, happiness, sufferings, etc. it's great as he shows George Sand he could love her without dreading it. It also shows us that injustice will always be plotted out. It's worth watching even if the ending was somewhat disappointing. 7/10

Lines like that are what really made me fall in love with "Impromptu". It is a movie that incorporates an array of delightful characters (and actors) that just suck you into the story. Though "Impromptu" is a period piece, it still has this certain modern air that other movies in this genre just don't have. The dialogue is superb in this, the character of George Sand (portrayed by an amazing Judy Davis) is one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Of course, this movie isn't going to be for everyone, but if you're interested in watching a different type of romance/comedy/drama, I truly recommend this. It is unique, it is real, it is wonderful.

Impromptu is one of the more charming, lighthearted period movies I have come across. If you are expecting a sweeping drama, prepared to be disappointed. Some people might not like this film, as it lacks some of the lengthy, tragic dialogue and overly melodramatic style that many period films have. If you are looking for something fun for the whole family, this is it. Judy Davis' role as George Sand is strong, and she delivers her character with the perfect amount of gusto. Hugh Grant performance as Fredric Chopin is priceless, and he makes himself very endearing and believable as the timid composer. Bernadette Peters performance as the jealous and spiteful Marie D'Agoult is marvelous - you leave the movie feeling quite annoyed by her character, which is exactly what I imagine the director wanted from her character! The costuming and set designs are exquisite, as is the cinematography, and backs the actors wonderfully.

I liked Impromptu, I liked the characters, their development, the setting, the costumes. I like it all. It was a genuinely funny film. The kids, the duel, the horse's commentary were priceless gems. The story was well written and the acting was outstanding.

George Sand (Judy Davis) a very independent character falls for Frederic Chopin (Hugh Grant) a sensitive basket case who is a genius when it comes to the piano. I understand this is a true story. I hope the original was as fresh and funny as the movie portrayal.