Bel Canto

Loosely based on an incident that occurred in Lima, Peru, in 1996, Paul Weitz’s adaptation of Ann Patchett’s titular 2001 novel is a hostage drama starring Julianne Moore as an American opera singer who is taken prisoner along with others when rebels assault the Japanese embassy during an international reception that they wrongly believe will be attended by the country’s president. The result is a stand-off that drags on for months, although the film is not very successful in suggesting such a long passage of time. Against the backdrop of the continuing crisis—with a Swiss Red Cross negotiator (Sebastian Koch) shuttling back and forth between the rebel commander (Tenoch Huerta) and government representatives—romances blossom within the besieged compound, both between diva Roxane Coss (Moore) and Japanese businessman Hosokawa (Ken Watanabe), who arranged her performance at the gala, and between Hosokawa’s young translator Gen (Ryo Kase) and Carmen (María Mercedes Coroy), one of the rebel soldiers who begins to question the wisdom of prolonging the mission. Bel Canto has suspenseful moments, well-choreographed action sequences, and fine singing by Renée Fleming, who provides Roxane’s vocals. Overall, however, the film is surprisingly flaccid and emotionally wan, despite the talent on both sides of the camera. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)