Style over substance - but what style!

Rating: 6/10 (30 June 2019)

First of all, this film is a feast for the senses. The cinematography is flawless, and the Soundtrack a fascinating journey through the history of music in the fifties and early sixties - fitting for a film about musicians which uses music as one of its main means to convey mood.
That said, the writing and acting seem more like a frame to hang pretty pictures on (but what Pictures!). The plot is standard and contains no surprises (except maybe one) - just your average 100 % artificial extruded will-they-or-won't-they product. The writing is occasionally snappy, sometimes hilariously blunt and mostly refreshingly free from romance-movie clichés.
The acting is spotty - a very charismatic leading lady is paired with a male co-star who always seems flat and passive, following her around. The supporting roles (of which there are few) are adequate, but nothing more than that. However, the main flaw of this film is simple - there is absolutely zero chemistry between the leads! That it manages to engage you emotionally anyway is a credit to its directing and presentation; at no point do you go "those two are in love, alright". It feels artificial, awkward, illogical.

A pretty. pretty film but nothing more than that.