Kristin Scott Thomas stars in this tense romantic drama as a young, near-insolvent society widow wrapped up in blackmail and political intrigue while seeking a monied new husband in pre-war Tuscany. Directed by Philip Haas (Angels & Insects), this modestly savory adaptation of one of Somerset Maugham's lesser novellas boasts a superb sense of place and atmosphere (Mussolini's Italy), and a pedigree cast (Anne Bancroft is grand as a lush and gossipy dowager). But the plot is derailed by an overly complicated suicide cover-up and by the distracting miscasting of Sean Penn in the romantic lead as a rakish (and married) American playboy with an Ivy League accent that fits him like a rented tuxedo. Very optional. (R. Blackwelder)
Up at the Villa
USA, 115 min., PG-13, VHS: $55.95, DVD: $24.95, Oct. 24 Vol. 15, Issue 5
Up at the Villa
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