The Painted Veil
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Movie Reviews of The Painted Veil
Movie Review: Painted with bright and dark colors.
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't let my 5 stars fool you into thinking that I think all will love this film; however, I did.
This film is not to everyone's taste, but I found it extraordinary. This kind of film typically attracts those who like films like The English Patient (which I hated) and The Horse Whisperer (which I loved). This is a period piece that doesn't need its period to be relevant. This is a location film that doesn't need its location to be believable. This is a slow-moving story that doesn't need action to be engrossing. This is a masterpiece that doesn't need improvement.
The story is both simple and multi-layered. Naomi Watts, totally unrecognizable from her The Ring and King Kong films, is basically a spoiled brat who would prefer to live off her father's money than to buy into the trappings of marriage (as she sees it). In a moment of spiteful rage against her mother, she intentionally marries a "civil servant" (one viewed beneath her), extremely well-played by Edward (American History X) Norton who equally disappears into his role as a shy man who is rather infatuated with Watts but respectful of the fact she doesn't love him, but hopes she will one day over time. This is a time when arranged marriages were common and for a husband to be as respectful as Norton's role is refreshing. He never forces himself on his wife and she does eventually warm up to him, but considers him a terrible bore.
No spoiler here to mention that the first interesting man that comes along, Liev Schreiber who is effectively self-centered, she beds in her own home. Later, to her surprise, her husband is not only not a blind fool like she thought, but is keenly aware of how people react to situations and has a better understanding of the more base emotions than his self-centered wife. For all her so-called worldly wisdom, she can't read emotions or people very well at all and has little understanding of the consequences of her own actions as she blames the man she willingly married (to spite her mom) for her own affair because he wasn't interesting to her.
In what appears to be retaliation for his wife's callous indiscretion, Norton, who has been quiet and respectful, comes down hard on his wife and volunteers to become a doctor in a remote town in China where they are dropping like flies due to an infectious illness. He knows it may spell certain death to both of them. He offers her the choice of an ugly discrediting divorce for infidelity, which will bring down her politician lover, or go with him. In this time period, that is no choice at all. She goes with him and, at first, we believe him to be incredibly cruel in doing this until we see him at work.
We identify more with Watt's shock at going to this deadly village and are appalled that Norton would do this as "punishment" regardless of the terrible thing she did to him, but we gradually learn that he is actually motivated to save others even at great risk to himself and he had been planning this for awhile and at a time when he might have been able to trust his wife to not have affairs. In addition, either intentionally or unintentionally, we are never sure, Norton gets his wife to see something admirable in him. He may have seemed initially cruel to his wife and he may well have intended this trip as some kind of punishment to both he and his wife, however, he is a multi-layered character who consistently surprises us (and his wife). So much for being "boring."
To give away more would spoil the story, but this is a memorable film that is touching and honest in how it deals with our basic human emotions of love, hate, jealousy, and personal desires. I highly recommend this film, but I'm aware that this kind of story may not appeal to everyone. Even if this is not your typical genre, give it a try. You have nothing to lose but two hours of time and everything to gain by having your deepest emotions touched.
Movie Review: Breathtaking in almost every respect, a near perfect film to fall in love with...
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the first things you'll notice about `The Painted Veil' is it's crisp beauty and elegance. It's effortlessly filmed with such expansive grandeur it's impossible not to become enthralled in its scenery, both human and atmospheric. The next thing you're sure to realize is that young Naomi Watts is sure to be one of our finest working actresses, for with every subtle movement of her facial features, her graceful fingertips or any other part of her beautifully constructed body she gives off the essence of brilliance, portraying the exact emotion we need to understand and cultivating in herself and in her audience a trust within this woman that begs to be established. She effortlessly moves in and out of her emotions with such skill it's astonishing to me she was utterly ignored throughout awards season.
There is so much more to love and appreciate within this fabulous film, but it rests on the shoulders of the beautiful backdrop and the even more beautiful Watts to carry us to a place we would otherwise never venture.
The film, which is based on the novel written by W. Somerset Maugham, centers around the marriage and relationship between Walter and Kitty Fane. Walter is a very shy bacteriologist who pursues Kitty's hand despite the fact that Kitty herself is not fairly interested. Peer pressure from her family and that aching feeling of failure push Kitty into a marriage she is not invested in and soon her longing for real love leads her into adultery with married Charlie. After uncovering her tryst Walter gives Kitty some options. Walter has volunteered to help a small town ravaged by a severe cholera epidemic. Kitty must either come with him or he will publicly divorce her. Her only suitable (by her terms) way out would be to have Charlie agree to divorce his wife and marry her. He of course declines the idea and Kitty is forced to accompany Walter.
Upon their arrival Kitty is appalled with their new living conditions, frightened even, and the growing distance between Walter and herself is making the transition all the more difficult. `The Painted Veil' ultimately is about growth and understanding and the power of love overcoming all. Kitty married a man for whom she had no love for, a man whom she really didn't even know and understand, but watching him in his element, helping all these people, fighting for their health and survival helped Kitty to realize that she respected him and ultimately she falls in love with him. He helps her become a better person and likewise she helps him become a more desirable person. `The Painted Veil' succeeds beautifully in creating a love story for the ages.
Aside from the magnificent `Oscar Worthy' Watts there are quite a few very strong performances within this film. Edward Norton, who co-produced this film, turns out yet another powerful performance as Walter. Norton is one of my favorite actors for he always invests himself so deeply in his performances. He had a very strong year in 2006 with `The Painted Veil' following `The Illusionist' and `Down in the Valley', each performance just as strong as the next. Here he beautifully captures the heart of this man, broken and depressed realizing the woman he loves has disregarded him, and the barriers he builds for himself to protect the dignity he has left is nothing short of wholeheartedly believable and relatable. Toby Jones, better known as `the other Capote' turns in a key performance as the Fane's neighbor, and Diana Rigg is just superb as the runner of the orphanage where Kitty finds her redemption.
Aside from Watts though I feel the star of this film is none other than director John Curran who infuses so much life and atmosphere into this film that the audience is drawn in from the very beginning. He captures so brilliantly the time and era, his surroundings but most importantly the emotions of his characters. `The Painted Veil' truly is a near perfect film, one that is sure to find a place in your heart and make an impact on your very soul.
Movie Review: Effortlessly and Perfectly Done Cinema
Summary: 5 Stars
Relationship films are just ...well ...relationship films. Most carry themselves thanks to the acting and little else. But occasionally one will come along and surprise the hell out of you. Such is the case with THE PAINTED VEIL.
Lead actors Edward Norton and Naomi Watts must've seen ...something in the film's script that brought them on-board not only as actors, but also as producers. In no small part is the success of this film due to these two but also because of the setting: China. Cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh of The Piano fame puts China's beautiful landscape to work for the film, not forcing or lingering on artistic shots, but letting the stunning background draw viewers' eyes calmly into the world around the actors. This was a huge bonus, something that struck me as effortless artwork on his part.
The script itself also seems effortless in subject matter, but it is this slightness that gives the entire production an amazing quality not normally seen in films. This story covers the lives of Kitty (Naomi Watts, King Kong, 2005) and Walter (Edward Norton, The Illusionist), a married couple with a stolid marriage. Kitty is the spoiled rich girl of an elitist family. Her mother hopes to marry her off to a somewhat well-off husband and when Walter, an infectious disease specialist, arrives on the scene, Kitty and he are thrown together in 1925 London. A marriage quickly ensues. But when Walter gets transferred to Shanghai, cracks in their relationship begin to show as Kitty finds excitement in the arms of another man, a married diplomat named Charlie (Liev Schreiber, The Manchurian Candidate, 2004). When Walter finds out about it, he does something wildly unexpected: he moves himself and Kitty into China's cholera epidemic. With Walter's threat of divorce and ridicule hanging over Kitty's head, she accepts his move ...especially after learning that Charlie (her paramour) doesn't care for her like she thought he did.
Kitty's lack of love for Walter hits him hard and he buries himself in his work once they arrive at the cholera-infected town. He transfers his love for his wife into his love for his work, caring for the sick and dying (especially the children) while riding recklessly through the disease-riddled area. He quickly encounters battles with the townsfolk who believe his coming there was a bad omen. Eastern superstition battles Western medicine and with the assistance of a communist soldier names Colonel Yu (Anthony Wong Chau-Sang), he forms a tenuous relationship between slowing the epidemic and helping maintain the Chinese culture.
Kitty soon learns that Walter is becoming more and more respected in the area, and she eventually volunteers to help care for the sick too (without Walter's knowledge, initially). Distant husband and lonely wife begin seeing each other during their treatment, and each learns much about the other. Walter finds that he can forgive his wife for her infidelity and for his own mismanagement of their marriage. Kitty grows up and learns that being the wife of a respectable doctor isn't such a bore after all. Love grows, but like a beautiful flower, it is often most fragrant and colorful right before it dies.
The ending sequence between Watts and Norton are what great film is all about. The lighting, the acting, the set, the crushing emotion, all play a pitch-perfect role.
You'd be hard-pressed to find another film so finely done in 2006. Bravo.
Movie Review: A Beautiful Film
Summary: 5 Stars
I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I came to this film: a standard period drama perhaps. I'd heard mixed reviews, a lackluster trailer, and it was overlooked by the awards bodies in 2006, but I was pleasantly surprised in the quality of the film and the performances in particular.
Nothing about this film is fast or surprising really. We know essentially who our characters are in the first 5 minutes, Walter meets Kitty at a party and asks her to dance. The next day he proposes and she accepts. We know he proposes because he is a rational, intelligent man, used to organization and reason. He falls in love with Kitty suddenly and without reason, but the only way he knows how to respond is to act on it. He's a doctor going to Shanghai to study a cholera epidemic and he loves her- the reasonable thing to do is to marry her and take her with him. She accepts his proposal to get as far away from her mother as humanly possible. The pair are obviously mismatched. Kitty likes Walter well enough but she's a fun loving girl, slightly shallow, fond of gossip, games, dancing and theater. He's an intellectual who is socially awkward. It's not surprising that Kitty has a fling with another Englishman in Shanghai. Walter finds out and is naturally devistated. He offers Kitty a respectable, quiet divorce only if her lover agrees to marry her. He doesn't. As a sort of punishment for her adultery Walter volunteers to serve as a doctor for a small inland village ravaged by cholera. Kitty is to come with him. What is intended as a punishment turns out to be their salvation.
All we need to know about the nature of the characters is established in the first 45 minutes of the film. We're told little but shown everything. With a smile Kitty shows us she's not always genuine, she enjoys a party but has a two faced side to her. In handing a gift to Kitty, Walter shows us his awkwardness, his kindness, and his fear of the woman he loves. As soon as he says he's an epidemiologist we know he's passionate about is work. Naomi Watts and Edward Norton subtly convey every emotion of their characters by their tone of voice, the ways they stand in one anothers presence. Neither has a meldramatic scene or a grand declaration but they exhibit the heights of human emotions.
Ultimately the actions of other characters, and imperialism itself are viewed through the lens of each character. Kitty sees nuns taking care of the children in an orphanage and says how wonderful they are. Walter says, that yes, the children benefit but Kitty should also keep in mind that the nuns are not totally altrustic: they pay the families of children to give them their babies so they can raise them as Catholics. The children are cared for and protected but also denied their culture. The film itself presents these concerns but doesn't pass judgement. That is left up to the viewer.
Also particuilarly worthy of note are the settings, the stunning backgrounds of China's mountains and rivers. The lush greenery is shot with somewhat muted tones. Alexandre Desplat's score compliments the muted visuals of the film. It's subdued and evocative with occasional Asian influences sprinkled throughout.
The Painted Veil is one of those films where more than one aspect is well above average and that elevates the film as a while. This isn't a Merchant-Ivory film but it could pass for one: the beautiful visuals, excellent performances, amd strong score recall literary adaptations such as Howard's End or A Room With A View.
Movie Review: This film has staying power
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Painted Veil" is one of those films that enchant and insinuate their way into your emotions and haunt and haunt. As there are excellent reviews on this page, I did not plan to write one, but without committing to paper, this movie is not going to leave me.
Naomi Watts and Ed Norton are perfectly cast. Is there a story in real life about them? They also co-produced this film based on the novel by the great English writer, Somerset Maugham. Mostly set in China before the Communist Revolution, the story revolves around cholera and its devastating effects on local communities.
But Ed's character, Dr. Walter Fane, and Naomi's, Kitty, come by way of England, where he meets her at a party at her parents' house. She has passed that age when a woman should be comfortably ensconced in her own home and family, but Kitty has commitment phobia. A bacteriologist by career, Dr. Fane is home on leave and possibly seeking a wife. Finally, he convinces Kitty to marry him and they move to China.
In China, one night they attend a Chinese opera with friends of his and she begins an affair with Liev Shrieber's character not long after. Walter knows and accepts an assignment in the country which needs medical assistance to fight cholera. That's when everything completely unravels in this emotional turmoil set against the physical turmoil of cholera. He treats her like poison and she retreats into herself, a horrible position for such a social woman.
Walter is much too serious and becomes knife-sharp, like his extremely bony body. Now totally socially dependent on her husband, Kitty must reach outside herself if she is to survive. Kitty is invited for tea by the Mother Superior of a nearby orphange. She is a woman of deep wisdom who teaches Kitty how to give of herself, how to really sacrifice and love. Step by step Kitty grows a bit and a bit more, until she volunteers full-time to help the nuns with the children, doing what she knows best, playing piano and teaching songs. During this service she learns the things her husband has been doing, what he is really like, and the depth of character and passion that she has been blind to.
When Kitty begins to reach out to Walter and see him for who he is, he begins to blossom out of himself and under her eyes. The little physical actions of these two actors make this movie: how his hardened face softens and glows from within, how her soft, sinuous body moves toward him. It is a joy to behold watching their emotions and their bodies gradually awaken to each other.
The cinematography shows a lush China, a lush relationship between the government official across the way and his Chinese concubine. Other parallels: the sacrifice of the nuns and Kitty's sacrifice for her husband, emotional turmoil and physical turmoil. The revolt against marriage through adultery with the upcoming Chinese revolt. The ways of a good writer are relentless and show in this beautifully rendered film.
Love and redemption, grace and forgiveness, sincerity and sacrifice--all fine things in the hands of skilled writers and movie makers. "The Painted Veil" is a must-see film for the thoughtful person.