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Easy Virtue
At first sight, Easy Virtue looks like another stodgy period drama complete with contrived dialogue; overacted caricatures and actors playing characters that are clearly younger than themselves. But once beyond the tedious parody of aristocratic life exhibited in the first act, something rather unexpected happens: as the comic farce is ratcheted down and the drama is shifted up a notch, Stephen Elliot's adaptation of Noel Coward's 1925 play stealthily turns into something thoroughly enjoyable, exhibiting bucket loads of playful charm. Never is this more evident than in Colin Firth's subtle, beguiling performance that begins in the realm of the banal but comes to full affectionate fruition by the end. However, not even Firth's performance can take away from the fact that this is the Jessica Biel show; her standout performance is a complex one exhibiting perfect comedic timing and is easily her best role yet.
Director, Stephen Elliot (who hasn't had a hit since The Adventures Of Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert) clearly has a lot of enthusiasm for the material. The film is very playfully shot with its little quirks in the photography including layered transitions and extensive use of mirrored images. Elliot also takes great creative license in his choice and manipulation of the soundtrack, which includes riotous ragtime renditions of popular songs such as Rose Royce's Car Wash, Tom Jones' Sex Bomb and Billy Ocean's When The Going Gets Tough. Elliot's introductory transition from 20's to modern cinema is also a nice touch as the image moves from full frame to widescreen to cinemascope, the onscreen curtains widening with each ratio change.
After a faltering start, Easy Virtue inexplicably transforms into one of the more enjoyable movies this year thus far.
Stuart Jamieson
official website
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