You approach the film adaptation of a book with trepidation; sometimes, you’re not disappointed. “The Painted Veil,” from the novel by W. Somerset Maugham, was not at all disappointing, but a fascinating, tough look at love and marriage. Although a gorgeous period piece, it still felt fresh, moving, and exciting.
Edward Norton plays an intelligent doctor who marries pretty but shallow Naomi Watts. She accepts him to get away from her overbearing parents, and accompanies him to his colonial post in Shanghai. They turn out to be an incompatible match, and Watts takes a dashing lover to pass the time. Her actions have greater consequences then she imagines, to say the least.
When Norton confronts her about her affair, his character is ignited, for his wife and for us. Displaying greater anger and acumen then he was given credit for, the doctor’s slow burning but palpable rage is well-delivered by the talented Norton. Their lives and the film take a decidedly more serious turn when he volunteers for what amounts to a suicide mission in a remote village that is dying of cholera. His punishment for his callous wife? She’s coming, too.
This is an unusually harsh story of a marriage. Both characters start out unsympathetically. It’s hard to feel that Watts’ character deserves to endure the hardships her husband dishes out, yet she’s not particularly nice either. That’s why the slow transformation into a life that is far more meaningful that it started out to be for the pair is so satisfying when it comes.
This film is extremely well-paced. The evolution of the story is thoughtful and believable, yet not boring. The background of the powerful drama of a village in desperate peril also explores the unanswerable difficulties of imperialism. Both British and Chinese supporting roles fill out the historical aspects of the story interestingly. I cannot think of a film that balances historical and political narrative with an intensely moving emotional story as well as this one does.
Naomi Watts exhibits wonderful sensitivity and restraint playing a tarty woman. Her growth is just enough to be believable. Particularly affecting is a scene in which she openly describes the shortcomings of her personality to her husband. Despite the very real drama of this film, it was never overwrought. The subject matter was depressing, but the film was not. “The Painted Veil” is an achievement of a well-played period story with an unexpectedly provocative premise.
“The Painted Veil” is currently available to rent.
And speaking of adaptations, The Foley Public Library (319 Laurel Avenue) is launching an interesting film series on Tuesdays this and next month called “Show & Tell: Writers in Film.” The schedule is as follows: July 24 at 6 p.m. “My Dog Skip;” July 31t at 10 a.m. the glorious film about Pablo Neruda “Il Postino.” On Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. “Cross Creek,” and on August 14 at 10 a.m. “Infamous.” “Finding Neverland” will be shown on August 21 at 6 p.m. and finally on Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. “Sylvia.” All films are free; call 251-943-7665.
The “In View” film series sponsored by the University of South Alabama and Bay Area Inclusion will feature “Middle Sexes” at on August 3rd at 8:00 pm in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. This film “sensitively explores the controversial subject of the blurring of gender.”
On Sept. 14 the series will continue with “Home of the Brave” from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Paola di Florio. This film explores the aftermath of the death of a Civil Rights activist, told through the eyes of her children. Both films will be followed by a discussion with moderator Dr. Moira Amado-Miller. Call USA at 251-460-6306 or Bay Area Inclusion at 251-450-1060 for more information about these free events.
Contact Asia Frey at afrey@lagniappemobile.com.
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