Under the Tuscan Sun

Plot synopsis:
Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) is a San Francisco writer whose seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected turn when she learns that her husband has been cheating on her. The divorce—and the loss of her house to her ex-husband and his much-younger, pregnant new partner—leaves her depressed and unable to write. Her best friend Patti (Sandra Oh), a lesbian who is expecting a child, is beginning to think Frances might never recover. She urges Frances to take an Italian vacation to Tuscany using the ticket she purchased before she became pregnant. At first Frances refuses, but after another depressing day in her gloomy apartment, she decides that it's a good idea to get away for a while.
In Tuscany, her tour group stops in the small town of Cortona. After wandering through the charming streets, she notices a posting for a villa for sale in Cortona. She rejoins her tour group on the bus, and just outside town, the bus stops to allow a flock of sheep to cross the road. While they wait, Frances realizes that they've stopped directly in front of the very villa that she had seen for sale—something she believes is a sign. She asks the driver to stop and she gets off the bus. Through a series of serendipitous events, she becomes the owner of a lovely yet dilapidated villa in beautiful Tuscany.
Frances begins her new life with the help of a variety of interesting characters and unusual but gentle souls. She hires a crew of Polish immigrants to renovate the house. Over time, Frances also befriends her Italian neighbors and develops relationships with her Polish workers, the realtor who sold her the villa, and Katherine (Lindsay Duncan), an eccentric aging British actress who evokes the mystery and beauty of an Italian film star. Later, she is visited by the now very pregnant Patti, whose partner Grace has left her.
Frances meets and has a brief romantic affair with Marcello (Raoul Bova), but their relationship does not last. She is about to give up on happiness when one of her Polish workers, a teenager named Pawel (Pawel Szajda), and a neighbor's young daughter come to her for help. Her father does not approve of him, due to his being Polish and not having a family, yet they are very much in love and want to get married. Frances persuades the girl's family to support their love, by proclaiming that she is Pawel's family, and the young lovers are soon married at the villa. During the wedding celebration, Frances meets an American writer who is traveling in Tuscany, and their attraction for each other points to a romantic future.

Tags: comedy, realism, romantic

Review:
"Under the Tuscan Sun" is a polarizing film that seems to leave viewers (and critics) either in love with a story of growth and renewal or dismissive of its line.
I'm firmly in the former camp.Based so loosely on Frances Mayes's own account of her regeneration in beautiful Italy as to carry an end credit pronouncing that substantial fictionalization replaced key true details, writer and director Audrey Wells crafted a stunning vehicle for Diane Lane whose radiance projects from the screen powerfully.
And in every scene.Diane Lane, as the changed-from-the-memoir Frances, abandons San Francisco after her never shown cad husband divorces her, getting the house she once loved.
I'm not sure how many male directors could so well create that reality.Director Wells tells the story from a woman's heart but with a breadth of humor and drama that should appeal to anyone who wants to believe, or needs to hope, that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel of marital infidelity and dissolution.
That's a character we've seen in many, many films and Bova delivers an expectedly satisfactory but hardly deep performance.Yes, Diane Lane is beautiful but there is much more to her acting than a shining appearance.
If I have to see one more movie where the lead actress has nothing to do but make friends, remodel her gorgeous Tuscan Villa, eat gourmet food on her sunny patio in the garden, have no money worries, and not work, I think I might snap.
She happens to be healing from a failing marriage but you can relate to her story if you are dealing with any kind of problems in your life.There is one specific part of the movie which I truly like is the one where she defends the love story of a young couple though she was hurt.
Poet and writer Frances Mayes became a household name when in 1996 she published "Under the Tuscan Sun", a book where she detailed how she and her new lover bought and renovated an abandoned villa in Tuscany, Italy.
The book's detailed account of Mayes' trips attracted director Audrey Wells, who used the book's story of the renovation of an Italian villa as a basis for this charming romantic comedy set in Tuscany and starring Diane Lane.Frances (Diane Lane) is a writer in her mid-30s currently suffering writer's block, but this is the lesser of her problems, as her husband suddenly decides to divorce her and as a result of legal issues, he keeps their house.
"Under the Tuscan Sun" details France's efforts to renovate the villa and her life at the same time, as well as her encounters with many interesting characters from the beautiful Italian region.Well, it is safe to point out that other than the tale of the renovation of an old house, Audrey Well's adaptation of the story has little to no resemblance to the book's plot.
While not exactly the detailed travelogue that Mayes' book is, this version of "Under the Tuscan Sun" really captures the magic of the Italian region and accurately shows off bits of the country's culture despite the funny use of classic stereotypes.Director Audrey Wells takes a straight forward approach to her story, but wisely, takes full advantage of the location's awesome landscapes and the enormous talent of cinematographer Geoffrey Simpson.
While in terms of style Wells follows the romantic comedy formula somewhat to the letter, the movie is filled with a very human touch that most movies of this genre lack.Diane Lane is simply perfect as the movie's main character, as while the role may be a bit typical, she truly added her talents to the part and made Frances a very real and likable woman.
By the way, watch out for a small appearance of legendary director Mario Monicelli in a small role.It's impossible to compare the film to the book as they are both very different beasts, with very little in common; so fans of the book won't find a faithful adaptation despite the gorgeous images of Italy.
True, it's story may not be the most original one, but the way it's executed it's strangely charming, as if the beautiful cinematography and witty script were able to cast a magic spell on the viewers and simply captivate with their simple beauty.It's easy to dismiss "Under the Tuscan Sun" as another silly romantic comedy filled with typical clichés and sappy situations; but while those descriptions often prove true to this film, there is something else, something more that this movie offers that makes it special, and a truly different experience to those used to watch the same plots in melodramas over and over.
In "Under the Tuscan Sun",  a recently divorced American writer/critic (Lane) ventures to Italy where she sets about putting the pieces of her shattered life back together in the rustic, bucolic, scenic countryside of Tuscany.
With the help of her gorgeous star, Ms. Wells found backing for this pastiche she ended up presenting to us, which bears almost no resemblance to the original book by Frances Mayes.This is a movie full of cliches: The lonely and naive American tourist that would stay in Italy, the Latin lover, the good lesbian friend, and last, but not least, the eccentric Brit living in the small town!The best thing this film offers is the radiant Diane Lane, who is just gorgeous enough to make us forget the story and what is she doing in the mess she is in.
"Under the Tuscan Sun" is a delightful romance, with a tour through the wonders of Italy and a great homage to the Italian cinema, with a reference to "La Dolce Vita" and a minor participation of Mario Monicelli.
Diane Lane looks like wine, becoming more gorgeous along the years, and with a lovely face and smile.
Not, I guess, the target audience.Well, as I sat there on the sofa with my cuppa, enjoying the scenery, and this striking lady who I hadn't seen before, (trust me, I know Diane now, and have a list of her films to watch), I just became entranced.I know I'm being manipulated, the mass of stereotypes, the fact (unlike most of us) she can just cash buy a villa on a whim, BUT, I gave in and went for the ride, and it couldn't of been better.
We not only have an imposed story (of a woman's self discovery and resexualization), that story is emphasized by all sorts of parallel threads: the resurrection of the house (even the "opening" of a certain watertap), the exuberant troubled passion of two teenagers, the episodes of an aging local beauty and the birth of a daughter from her spurned gay friend -- even the eventual acknowledgment of our troubled adventurer by the land as denoted by an local deity delivering flowers.The overlay of Tuscan pleasures is supposed to elevate this project from the ordinary such.But let's suppose you really believe what is being preached in this movie: to never settle for the mundane, but actively seek the richest path (as measured by lasting pleasure).
Also, as a book, "A Trip to the Beach" may suit you better as a commitment to a new food-driven Latin life than "Tuscan." As an engineered product, this film has something more interesting than the imposed redundant stories.
Derivative in the extreme, it is a by-the-numbers-movie graced only by some good camera work & locations that are undeniably agreeable on the eye.Diane Laine plays a newly divorced professional writer desperately searching for answers to her sad life.
The movie starts off promisingly, with the Diane Lane character discovering the infidelity of her husband and the ensuing heartbreak of divorce.
"Under the Tuscan Sun" is a glossy chick flick with a radiant star and beautiful scenery, but that was just not enough for me to get beyond wincible dialogue and cornball situations.Beautiful, talented Diane Lane is certainly deserving of a star vehicle and I pluncked down my full fare to be sure she gets credit for putting this fanny in a seat.I do note that screenplay co-writer/director Audrey Wells (who played on chick flick stereotype turnabouts much more creatively in her script for "The Truth About Cats and Dogs") womanfully put some creative tweaks on creaky conventions of the genre -- the caustic best friend is a pregnant lesbian Asian-American (one of my favorite actresses, Sandra Oh, who has been so good in little Canadian dramas and as a comedienne in "Arli$$"), we don't have to meet the one-dimensional two-timing husband, the secondary stories have some different ethnic gloss, and there's a little twist in the concluding romantic expectations.
It's the perfect movie for someone who is looking for someone who is closing an old chapter in their life and moving on to a new one.The film does have some small flaws, such as the occasional awkward musical choice, but overall, it's a lovely little film with an uplifting message..
Leisurely, romantic and nicely written 'finding a new life' story of a writer emerging from a seriously bad divorce and, on impulse, buying a house in Tuscany.
Turn the sound off and watch this and I guarantee you will laugh yourself sick at the bad acting clinic she seems to be giving.The love angle in the movie was corny at best and embarrassing at worst and played like a teenage girl's rendering of how it should be.
But this was a chick flick that was majorly rubbed in my face and could be at times very predictable.Kathleen is a newly divorced woman who has been cheated on, she goes to Tuscany, Italy and buys a house that is falling apart.
She goes through some rough times, but pulls herself together when her pregnant friend, Patti moves in with her.Under the Tucsan Sun is a very over the top chick flick that I wasn't at all impressed with, the only thing I'm giving points on that it had some very beautiful pictures in it and it had nice touches to it.
but once is enough.Acting 2 - spectacular, Oscar worthy 1 - Really good, enhanced the plot0 - movie wasn't about the actingPlot 3 - Spectacular, nothing else like it in the genre, nominated for Best Picture (Oscars) 2 - Makes you think well after, unique 1 - Interesting idea / story 0 - Run of the millUnder the Tuscan Sun???
This was a very enjoyable film that is full of very simple truths of life, where a woman is heart broken about a marriage break up and losses hope that she can experience such a wonderful feeling or joy.
Diane Lane,(Frances),"Must Love Dogs",'05 plays this tender hearted young woman who has a close relationship with her girl friend and encounters a so called romance that turns into a One-Night-Stand.
After that comes a few heartaches, but gradually Lane's back in the swing of things Italian style as it were.I did love the nicely photographed scenes of Italy showing the daily life there.
A lot of time is spent getting to know the locals and the areas around, but seeing as Tuscany is one of the most charming places on Earth, there are worse ways to spend an hour or two.Diana Lane plays the lead role, and a lot of the film's strengths can be attributed to her.
This is a travelogue that meets 'a year in Provence.'It is an adaptation of a book where Diane Lane who discovers her husband is having an affair and is persuaded to go to a tour of Italy and impulsively purchases a run down house.
She sets about getting workers together and fix the house while at the same time getting her life together and hopefully find romance again.There is wonderful Italian scenery, Lane looks ravishing, some tender and funny and scenes but its predictable.
Anyway, she is a consistently good actress, and, as Frances, is the one through whose eyes we see the story of "Under the Tuscan Sun." This is a delightful little movie, featuring lots of beautiful scenery, and containing some valuable messages: that love creates a family, and that oftentimes, our dreams come true in ways we would not have imagined.
Lovely modern-day fairy tale has recently-divorced American woman rebuilding her life after taking a vacation trip to Tuscany and deciding that's where she wants to live; after purchasing and remodeling a run-down villa, she makes new friends and love-interests.
Anyone who loves to travel to foreign destinations, in this case Italy, and for anyone who is a believer in fate, being in the right place at the right time and divine intervention will absolutely love "Under The Tuscan Sun." This movie is so uplifting, very inspirational and fully encouraging for the person who may be facing major life struggles, feeling displaced in life and in need of an extraordinary life change!
Marcello is good here too, his character is necessary to the movie overall, and he was well casted, the actor that played him is sexy, romantic, and charming, just how he needed to be.
The characters are likable and aren't too stereotypical.Diane Lane is lovely here and this movie deservedly revitalized her career.
I never read Frances Mayes' original novel Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy but I think director Audrey Wells strongly mastered the story, become completely alive to me!.
I don't usually like the kind of movie that "Under the Tuscan sun" is supposed to be -a "chick flick", romantic movie where the romance is the whole point and a happy ending for our heroine is imperative, and basically what the audience is paying the ticket for.
Frances will go on to live many adventures and misadventures in her new home, meeting colorful characters and, yes, keeping us guessing about her destiny.I think the movie is ruined precisely by how much the driving force is her quest for love, almost to an obsessive point.
but the story being as full of opportunities and life experiences, I was expecting and wanting for it to be something else than another movie about relationships, coupling up and falling in love the way it is traditionally depicted in Hollywood movies.The biggest asset of this film is undoubtedly its aesthetic beauty, showing us Italy and Tuscany like I had personally never seen them before in film.
Diane Lane is also always a delight to watch in film, because she's such a naturally gifted actress and she has the kind of classic, delicate beauty that fits so well with the story and the tone of the movie.However, because I was personally disappointed with the film, I rate it 5/10..
It could be described as a very gentle movie (even mildly spiritual in some ways) full of sage advice about life and how to handle the disappointments that naturally appear, and - being somewhat stereotypically Italian in its presentation - it has a lot about love and romance and flirtatiousness in it.
Frances (in a great performance by Diane Lane) discovers that her husband is having an affair, and they end up divorced - and, she being the primary bread winner - he gets the house and alimony.
Diane Lane is a very good actress, and can make the audience feel for her without showing much character.
I wish I was under the Tuscan Sun. This movie is woven around a woman trying to start her life over after a painful divorce.
This technique can be exciting when used properly, but under Wells' direction was more like trying to see your dinner date through an over-large centerpiece on your restaurant table.I'm sure that I am not alone in comparing Under the Tuscan Sun to another un-movie in which Diane Lane appeared only last year, Unfaithful (co-starring Richard Gere).
I guarantee that when Frances jumped into the sack with her Italian lover Marcello the furniture would not have gotten in the way!If you are a Diane Lane fan, which I am, Under The Tuscan Sun is a must-see, even though you may leave disappointed.
DIANE LANE is wonderful in this beautiful movie!.
Oscar nominee DIANE LANE (Unfaithful, The Perfect Storm) gives another wonderful performance in this beautiful and enjoyable movie.
It is funny and quite sexy in places and especially DIANE LANE is wonderful in this film.
The entire films shines with authenticity and coupled with wonderful performances and directing, Audrey has redefined the romantic comedy.This movie was refreshing, witty, poetic, dramatic and rich with characters that you not only like, but identify with.
"Under The Tuscan Sun" is romantic in every aspect of the word, It is an inspiring story about spiritual growth, love, heartbreak, life and the ideal of what romance should be and what it really is.
Diane Lane (who got a Best Actress Oscar nomination last year for "Unfaithful" ) gives another great performance as Frances Mayes.
Great scenery, photography, music and story all help support Diane Lane is this unforgettable film.
UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN was a brilliant film that was capped with a magical performance by Best Actress OSCAR Nominee DIANE LANE as Connie.
Oscar nominee DIANE LANE (Unfaithful, The Perfect Storm) is great in this very sexy, entertaining and heartfelt film.
A lovely and entertaining film with Lane on fire in the lead role - she deserves the Oscar this time!.
Diane Lane is Frances Mayes, a San Francisco writer-book editor who escapes to Tuscany trying to rebuild her shattered life and, hopefully, find love.
Diane Lane delivers a great performance in a classy and entertaining film!.
Though she made her first movie at the age of 13, Diane Lane has only blossomed into a true star in her 30s, and 'Under the Tuscan Sun' marks her full flowering.
Diane Lane stars in this funny, touching, inspiring and beautiful film about overcoming life's ups and downs.