unintentionally hilarious

Rating: Null/10 (10 May 2001)

It was inevitable that someone would try to film this hugely popular novel.Unfortunately this film is about as appealing as most Hollywood literary adaptations.Nicholas Cage is a little old to play the romantic lead and his Italian accent defeats any attempt at a credible performance.It's like something from a bad sitcom.Penelope Cruz is stunning as the female star but if she wants to remain the toast of Hollywood she'll have to do better than this.Worst of all Christian bale pops up as a rather effeminate resistance fighter who looks like he's been forced out of hiding because he ran out of moisturiser.Older stars like John Hurt are the best thing in the movie and Irene Papas can convey more with a single look than the three leads together...unfortunately neither are glamorous to be the focus of the movie.That about sums it up...a potentially beautiful story abandoned in favour of glossy visuals and slick production values.A missed oppurtunity!