Product: Head in the Clouds (2004)
Rating: 3.0
Epic Wannabe Falls Short of Mark.
I am not a fan of this type of filmmaking in this era. What does happen here, however, is a trio of very skilled, very talented and very beautiful actors are corralled into what John Duigan's imagination sees as a Big 40's Hollywood Epic. Everyone gets a chance to spread their wings and look marvelous in vintage costumes. Everyone gets to emote on a GRAND SCALE. Everyone gets to have an epiphany which changes their lives.The entire proceeding feels a bit contrived (well, more than a bit, actually) but is not without merit, even if it isn't entirely successful in fully conveying its epic aspiration.With its mix of high style, tortured romance, war, friendship, loyalty and heartbreak one cannot help but be reminded of The English Patient or Farewell to Arms or any number of other epic flicks combining war and romance but "Clouds" doesn't have that real snap and sweep of an epic. Still everyone looks great and the story is engaging enough. If you're like me, you'll feel bad that the film didn't live up to its potential and you'll want to like it more than you actually do.