"Easy Virtue" - REVIEW

If there's one sub-genre of comedy that has yet to truly grow tiresome, it's that of the "clash fo cultures". Whether it is set in modern times (2007's excellent "2 Days in Paris"), or some decades in the past like "Easy Virtue", there's plenty of material to mine from the differences in cultures' views on subjects like gender roles, appropriate discussion topics, manner of speech, etc...It seems like a genre filled with such endless possibilities for humor that when a film comes along that stumbles instead of soars. Unfortunately, "Easy Virtue" is such a film. It is certainly enjoyable, but not consistent enough .

Opening at auto race in France sometime in the late 1920's, we get a brief glimpse at the brief courtship between young Brit John Whittaker (Ben Barnes) and American racer Larita (Jessica Biel). Before we know it, the two are married, and are about to descend upon the country mansion of John's family, the members of which are both intrigued and appalled by his sudden nuptials. John's mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) is perhaps the most distraught over the situation, while his older sister Marion is mildly annoyed. Younger sister Hilda is more intrigued, as is John's father (Colin Firth), who looks forward to the arrival of someone so different. Of course, complications ensue as Larita's full backstory is brought to light, and as Larita attempts to survive the British stuffiness of the estate. Though the film was meant to be more of a vehicle for Biel (probably to show that she could do a period piece), she's actually one of the film's two problems. The performance isn't bad by any means, but it lacks consistency. It's hit and miss to the extreme. Sometimes she seems fully in character (a late night talk with Firth before the film's climactic dance), other times, she's not fully there (when she berates John for "not loving [her] enough"). The writing doesn't help Biel too much. Adapted from Noel Coward's play of the same name, this production gives all of the characters consistency except for Larita. Despite "unique" positions on things like hunting, the character never quite feels like the wind of progress that she's supposed to be. With the most lead role in the ensemble left floundering in inconsistency, it's the supporting cast who take control, particularly Firth and the excellent Scott Thomas. The film also suffers from an occaisional lack of good comedic timing. There are plenty of witty, biting lines in the screenplay, but towards the beginning, many of them are lost in the shuffle of things, and have little to no impact. That said, there is plenty to like here. The humor that does stick is quite enjoyable (particularly the can-can scene), and the production design and costumes are all first rate. Cinematography is also beautifully done, with soft lighting, great landscape shots, and one or two lengthy shots that involve quite a bit of constant camera movement in a confined space. As whole, though, it's hard to truly slash "Easy Virtue", but also hard to entusiastically recommend it. It's a pleasant enough diversion with some good moments, but it might not be quite good enough to warrant a visit to the theater.

Grade: C+