Film Review: My House in Umbria (2003)
Writing isn’t exactly one of the most reliable ways to make a living, but few individuals who are lucky or talented enough can provide very good life for themselves. One of such individuals is protagonist of My House in Umbria, 2003 drama directed by Richard Loncraine. Mrs. Emily Delahunty (played by Maggie Smith) is elderly British woman who has spent much of life writing trashy romance novels that sold well enough to allow her to live and travel in exotic locations, including Italy. One of such travels, however, made her witness to horrible event when a train became target of terrorist bomb. She, however, volunteers to help some of the survivors recover psychologically by offering them stay in her villa, which is managed by her loyal servant Quinty (played by Timothy Spall). Survivors include The General (played by Ronnie Baker), eccentric Briton; Werner (played by Benno Fürmann), German journalist whose fiancee died in the attack; and Aimee (played by Emmy Clarke), young American girl who lost her parents and became mute as a result. Trio begins to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Mrs. Delahunty treats them as her own family. But this idyll might end when Thomas Riversmith (played by Chris Cooper), Aimee’s uncle, comes to bring her back to USA. Mrs. Delahunty wants to prevent it and, in desperation, even tries to seduce Thomas. In the meantime, villa is being visited by police inspector Girotti (played by Giancarlo Giannini) who is investigating terrorist attack.
Based on the novella by Irish writer William Trevor and produced by HBO, My House in Umbria looks very much like so many films featuring rich Anglo-American expats enjoying beautiful scenery and exotic locations of Italy. Like many of such films, it features great cast led by Maggie Smith, grand dame of British theatre and film, who plays her eccentric character with great ease. Most of her colleagues, with possible exception of not particularly inspired Timothy Spall, do a decent job, although their performances won’t be as memorable as Smith’s. Cinematographer Marco Pontecorvo who, among other things, later worked on Game of Thrones, does a very good job in making My House of Umbria look visually appealing. However, good acting and cinematography can’t compensate for the serious problems with script which meanders between light comedy, sometimes very dark drama and a little bit of Agatha Christie-like mystery. The tonal shifts are too abrupt than even quirkiness of the main character looks too artificial at times. However, viewers with lowered expectations would find My House in Umbria to be generally satisfactory experience.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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