goodyear

THE SYNOPSIS

Max Skinner (Crowe) is a handsome, wealthy London power broker who’s just been informed that his Uncle Henry (Finney) has just died. Max must travel to the beautiful French region of Provence to look over his uncle’s estate, La Siroque, complete with large chateau and acres of vineyards.

As a high-strung youth (Highmore), Max spent many happy times with Uncle Henry, a jovial, lusty, wine-loving philosopher of life. But now, Max must grieve for the man he lost touch with. And he is not alone: still tending the vines are loyal gardener Francis Dufloat (Bourdon) and his lovely, exuberant wife Ludivine (Candelier).

One day, a young American girl named Christie Roberts (Cornish) shows up, claiming to be Henry’s illegitimate daughter. Is it a ruse? Or she is for real? Doesn’t matter, as Max plans on selling the estate off to make beaucoup ducats. Dufloat is quite unhappy at the prospect, but Max is a cold bugger at heart.

That is, until he meets the lovely Fanny Chenal (Cotilliard)--and begins pursuing the bistro-owner. While love is in the air in France, Max’s best friend Charlie (Hollander)--himself a high-powered realtor--helps Max put the La Siroque on the market.

But is the air, countryside, wine and the lovely Fanny giving the cold, demanding Max a change of heart? Is this idyllic lifestyle of growing grapes suited for Max?

THE CRITIQUE

Teaming up again after their last picture Gladiator (2000) won several Oscars©, the powerhouse filmmaker-thespian team of Sir Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe have returned with A GOOD YEAR.

Based on Scott’s friend Peter Mayle’s 2004 novel of the same name--and written by Marc Klein (Serendipity), this metaphorical romantic comedy goes down pretty easy--much like a fine wine. Detractors of the movie will say that it is corny and predictable; I totally agree, but then again, I didn’t leave the theater feeling disgruntled, either.

When he’s not throwing phones at people or ending up in the tabloids, Russell Crowe is acting. And we sometimes forget what a terrific actor he is. In a A GOOD YEAR, Crowe basically embodies the kind of role that someone named Grant would usually play (yes, Sherlock--both Cary & Hugh).

Crowe does his best personifying both the greedy Gordon Gekko-esque Skinner and the subsequent zestful, lackadaisical Max. When it comes to screen lover, though, the hunky Aussie has no problems. If you were a woman, would you turn him down? Doubtful. Besides, Crowe could snarl his way into the bedroom and women will follow. He’s my hero.

The one thing about this movie is that all of the women are beautiful! Each in their own way, the actresses embody the sun, the grapes and the mood. Whether it is the ravishing French actress Marion Cotillard (making her Hollywood debut), lovely Aussie Abbie Cornish or voluptuous French actress Isabelle Candelier, I enjoyed watching them bring some warmth into Max’s cold existence. I love Europe.

Albert Finney is one of the greats and he is on-screen far too briefly. Yet it is his character’s spirit that hangs around the proceedings like the lovely smell of spring after a rain shower. His Gallic counterpart, the winemaker Dufloat, is played a wonderful actor-director named Didier Borudon--who steals most of the scenes he’s in with Crowe. Lastly, I enjoyed the acerbic thesping by Indian actress Archie Panjabi--who also steals scenes from Crowe.

As with any Ridley Scott movie (others he’s helmed have included such classics as Alien, Blade Runner & Black Hawk Down--to name but a few), style usually trumps substance. However, Scott is one of my favorite auteurs (and he’s earned the right to the moniker) because his movies possess a visually-lyrical purpose of cinematic grandeur.

Not to pontificate him, but Sir Ridley knows how to make flicks! In this case, that style-over-substance mantra continues. The direction is unassuming and at-ease (Sir Ridley has mellowed with time...much like fine wine). I get the feeling that he has to put out artier fare (like A GOOD YEAR) once-in-a-while to balance out operatic epics like 2004’s Kingdom Of Heaven. Whatever floats your boat Sir Ridley!

The best facet of this movie is its gorgeously-verdant & sun-drenched, widescreen cinematography--courtesy of French DP Phillippe Le Sourd (well-known in Europe for his commercials & music video work). As with most of Scott’s cinematographers, Le Sourd’s work here is equally-splendid.

The lensing & lighting here act not just as technical facets of the movie--but also as visual representations of Max Skinner’s life. The London sequences are mired in cold blues, deep blacks & industrial grays--signifying Max’s cold, barracuda-like lifestyle. Over in Provence, where Max becomes one with his past, the cinematography becomes warm, golden-hued and so intoxicating that the grapes seem to smile on their vines. Makes me want to live there as well!

Other tech credits are top-drawer. The slick editing by veteran cutter Dody Dorn (Kingdom Of Heaven/Matchstick Men/Memento) while the lavish production design of up-and-comer Sonja Klaus both get kudos as well. And I must mention that the spunky soundtrack is laced with many wonderful Franco & English-language songs.

Most of the budgeted $35,000,000 production was shot in several chateaus and vineyards in Provence, mixed in with some location shooting in London. I applaud the genuine European feel that Scott & company lather the picture with.

THE BOTTOM LINE

An easy-going movie with feel-good intentions. Others will mock its simplicity. As for me, maturity brings a certain appreciation for good acting, gorgeous cinematography and luscious (i.e. wholesome) women living in the French countryside. Call it my joie de vivre!

CAST: Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, Marion Cotillard, Abbie Cornish, Didier Bourdon, Tom Hollander, Freddie Highmore, Archie Panjabi & Isabelle Candelier

CREDITS: Director/Producer: Ridley Scott; Screenwriter: Marc Klein, based on the novel by Peter Mayle; Director of Photography: Philippe Le Sourd; Production Designer: Sonja Klaus; Editor: Dody Dorn; Costume Designer: Catherine Leterrier; Music: Marc Streitenfeld

AC/AL/BN 2006 118m ENGLISH