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Easy Virtue
Glamorous and mysterious Larita (Jessica Biehl), an American widow who has married a young, romantic Brit, comes to the United Kingdon to meet his family for the first time. The reception is chilly, as the family is suspicious of the flamboyant Yank from Michigan. The matriarch. Mrs. Whittaker, played by Kristin Scott Thomas is compared to Medusa, with an icy and amusing coldness towards her new daughter-in-law. She is also concerned about the dwindling family finances and the future of their lovely estate in a post wartime era. Colin Firth plays the father John, a veteran of the Great War who has become isolated from the family frivolities, especially that of his wife and unlucky in love daughters. It is interesting to see the usually debonair Firth unshaven and cynical and yet his character is down to earth with a sad, inner depth of character. He finds the passionate and fun-loving American refreshingly different from the rest of the family, though perhaps not exactly right for his young son.
The film begins with much humor and comedy of manners, with strong personalities, great, witty dialogue very similar to the works of Oscar Wilde. Later as the plot thickens and the relationships unfold, each character shows more depth and the complexities of their circumstances take a more serious, fitting tone. The theme also displays some interesting character contracts between the Americans and the English in general. But you must be mindful of the era, the roaring '20's, when both nations were somewhat new to eachother.
Larita has a perceived scandalous past, is flamboyant and drives a sports car for adventure. Her new family is traditional, reserved and the fox chase hunt is a time honored sport. The new daughter in-law who speaks her mind is far different from the British family persona. Colin Firth is particularly affecting as a sensitive man and father who has been traumatized by war. His return to home has left him bereft of all joy and closeness. His new view of life is one of realism and common sense, and that is where he connects with Larita. He is her only ally. Jessica Biehl is beautiful and radiant and continues to expand in her film choices.
Directed by Stephan Elliot, Easy Virtue is a funny, toughing and entertaining movie and a wonderful surprise.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
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