Across the River and Into the Trees

Extremely hard to discuss this without spoilers, but here we go.

I never read or even heard of this book, though I did enjoy a few other from Hemingway. So, I did not know the ending but I did guess it. It is a mess.

I've never been to Venice and I can think of a bunch of places in teh world I'd rather visit for the first and even the second time that have a more natural beauty. Still, Venice is a great location for a film, both day and night, especially the night shots lit beautifully by professionals.

On the other hand, this story is a mess, Some of the comments i read about the themes and the relationship make me think people were watching a different movie. The plot is a CHIMERA, truly disjointed,

Everything is beautiful in this movie. Venezia, of course, but also the actors, in particular Matilda De Angelis. The director manages to catch that beauty in every scene. The changes in aspect ratio is a very intelligent way to make as feel the difference between the dreams that he is living and the reality that lives in his head. The movie becomes a series of photos that you would like to print and frame. The rhythm is slow, because you need to take your time to taste each scene. Just as the protagonist stars at the "frescos", you're supposed to stare at each frame. In addition, the script is very good and the performances of both main actors are impeccable and natural. It's a joy for all the senses.

I suppose when you have great source material from which to write a script then maybe sometimes the movie makes itself?, it is a wonderful movie from beginning to end, the dialogue in as much as it reflects the novel is great, I highly recommend this movie!, who am I?, nobody, just a thoughtful individual who all too often is perplexed by the poor movies often made, this movie is not that.

In post-war Italy, war hero Colonel Richard Cantwell (Liev Schreiber) cannot accept his terminal diagnosis. He is assigned driver Jackson (Josh Hutcherson) to take him to Venice for his duck hunt. He encounters Renata Contarini (Matilda De Angelis) and tries to buy guns from her mother Contessa Isabella Contarini (Laura Morante). Renata is arranged to marry for money to save her family's legacy.

I've never heard of this Ernest Hemingway novel, but it does have his sensibilities. Venice looks empty. Maybe director Paula Ortiz is trying something like Ken Russell's movie (1991). Quite frankly, I would prefer total minimalism. At least, they saved money on costumes and extras. I like Hutcherson, but he could do more with the character. I love the middle section with the overnight date which reminds me of Before Sunrise. I would like to know more about Cantwell's regret to properly judge it. The movie needs to explain what happened. His son's story comes out of nowhere. A little heads up there would also help. I generally like this movie, but in many places, I want it to do more.

This film is actually quite great. A beautiful Hemingway novel nicely translated here. It's a rich and beautiful film, but unlike most Hollywood films that attempt to aim for similar results. Thanks mostly to the original writer, this one is also very true to life, it's very down to earth. You can really feel the humanity and the characters in this film. The acting and direction are also mostly very strong. This is a story that has been in the works to be a film many times. Finally it's here, and it really is a rewarding result. This was entirely worth seeing on the big screen, as the Venice setting and the cinematography are stunning throughout much of the film.

8/10.