Let me start by writing that I hope everyone goes to see "Love in the Time of Cholera" in the theaters. Do not wait for the DVD, as you just won't be able to get the complete picture. Mr. Newell does magic with a book that, while reading it, I could not visualize as a film. But he masterfully cuts across times and lengthy descriptions by Marquez to create a tight, well rounded storyline, with fully dimensional characters that express all the anger, pain and joy of true love. I read the book only recently and had Mr. Bardem in mind the whole time as Florentino Ariza, since I knew he had been cast for the role. The friend I went to see the movie with was not completely satisfied with his performance as she - and I quote - "could not believe that this man would be so successful in his pursuits". Maybe I was influenced by my imagery while reading Marquez' book, but I find Mr. Bardem the perfect man to play Florentino. Who else would look sexy in so much aging make-up, a bowler hat and nondescript black suits!?! Ms. Mezzogiorno is a true revelation and very beautiful - both as a young woman and later in life - as Fermina Daza and I was very pleasantly surprised to find Brazilian actress Fernanda Montenegro in the role of Florentino's mother Transito Ariza. Even John Leguizamo, as a bit of comic relief with his obvious NY accent, is very well cast as the brash Lorenzo Daza. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who has ever loved, thought about love, read about love and wished to feel love! In other words, EVERYONE.
Love in the Time of Cholera
(2007)
A Truly Well Made Rendition of a Magically Written Book
26 November 2007