Across the River and Into the Trees

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.

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.

There are several stars of this film. While Hemmingway's source novel was pretty universally panned, the screenplay, cinematography, and fine acting and casting in this film set it apart as a long overdue adaptation of one of Hemingway's lesser known works. First the acting by Mr. Schreiber - it is outstanding, showing emotional trauma damage, an appreciation of the natural and artistic world, and the vulnerability of an old warrior dealing with his illness and mortality. The cinematography is a delight - flirting with color as well as black and white and a variety of aspect ratios, it adds a thoughtful overlay to the story. Love interest Renata is played with aplomb by a beautiful, young Italian actress named Matilda de Angelis. To capture the emptiness of postwar Venice, the COVID restrictions played a major part - providing empty waterways and a deserted St Marco Square for the action of the story to take place in. It was a beautifully produced film and well worth seeing for any fan of Hemingway's work or of Mr. Schreiber's fine acting abilities, which have never been showcased better.

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.

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,