The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone

A film starring Helen Mirren and Anne Bancroft, along with an attractive male lead in Oliver Martinez. How could it possibly miss? Let me count the ways. Better yet, just do yourself a favor and view the 1961 version. Although more of a soaper and not anywhere near as physically explicit, it has a far more honest feel than this definitely watchable but glossy neo-costumer.

Not to say that the two top-notch actresses aren't truly wonderful in their respective roles, it seems to be more a problem of the director's interpretations of both story and characters. The actors seem to overplay at times, and some key lines and scenes taken from the original are treated as throwaways in this new version which is far too tailored for modern sensibilities. As completely riveting as she is, Mirren's Karen Stone never really comes off as the sympathetic character Vivien Leigh so bravely portrayed in the 1961 film.

This retelling here is all very beautifully filmed and there's a lot to look at and lush music to hear. The film almost redeems itself with it's wonderfully staged final scene, full of suspense and sadness, almost operatic. Too bad I had to wait till the end to see such a worthwhile moment.