Product: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Rating: 4.0
Lovely
I was half expecting a schlocky, sentimental romance fest as I rented "Under the Tuscan Sun." But I was pleasantly suprised with this low-key, wonderfully felt adaptation of Frances Mayes' recollections of her time in the Tuscan countryside. This film depends on the performance of Diane Lane (as Mayes), who, even though she can manage to look stunning in a ratty t-shirt, still comes off as down to earth and approachable, someone who seems to be inviting you into her life. That's what she does in this film. After she discovers her husband is cheating on her, Frances (Lane) falters but then accepts a ticket to Tuscany from one of her gay friends. Admittedly, the trajectory from there is predicatable--she rennovates a Tuscan villa while at the same time rennovating her life, which includes meeting a new man. But the film is more about Frances' self-discovery, experiencing life, and getting her own inner life back on track. The film is also beautifully shot--how could it not be beautiful if the location is Tuscany? I would recommend this one--a lovely film!