User reviews

The only reason to see UP AT THE VILLA is the performances by a wonderful cast. Kristen Scott Thomas does a good job as a poor widow who is being courted by many different men. The most interesting is the amazing Sean Penn- yet again taking on an interesting role. The story is bland and sometimes painfully boring, but Thomas and Penn make this worth seeing.

Beautiful photography and atmospherics capture Florence and environs. Technically very well-made and expensive-looking production.

Kristin Scott Thomas is perfect for the role and gives a terrific performance. The other cast members just seem to be giving their "standard" performance (Bancroft's standard mature woman routine that no one does better but she has done it since "The Hindenburg"). Ditto James Fox and the others.

The late William Holden could not have accomplished what Sean Penn did in "Mystic River", for which Penn gained a well deserved Oscar award. Conversely, Penn cannot play the Holden-type role in "Up at the Villa". Bad case of miscasting with flat results by Penn. No chemistry with Kristin Scott Thomas at all.

How can you make a dull, uninspiring film in an exotic setting with great actors in a highly charged brink-of-war scenario? SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE BUT THE FILMMAKER HERE HAS DONE IT!

I was stunned by Kristin Scott Thomas when I first saw her in The Tenth Man (co-starring with Derek Jacobi in that movie too) many years ago. I've tried to catch as many movies with her as possible since then, but she's just never been as good, not even in The English Patient. Much of her material has been extremely dull, incl. Random Hearts and yes, this one, Up At the Villa. The premise of this movie isn't bad, but for some reason it fails to create that engrossing magic that makes all the difference. Kristin's character is too timid and irrational (except for in the end). Jeremy Davies as the poor refugee is not exactly bad, but there's still something totally wrong with his role.

Bancroft is flawless, but can't save the movie. Sean Penn is actually good. I don't like most of his roles in other movies - never have -, but he played a different, more complex and realistic yet rogue-ish character here than the hysterical ones he usually embraces (for God knows what reason), and I thought this actually worked. Still, his and Kristin's characters were just too different to make their romantic tension really believable.

I will give the movie credit for its entire political dimension, though, which wasn't in the original book that this movie is based on. It's rare to see this; in most cases it's the film that leaves out the book's political content.

I rate this movie a 5 out of 10.

I was intrigued when this film showed up on the day's TV roster and even more intrigued when I found out who the cast are and read a quick synopsis of the story. Most of the reviewers here, at IMDB, have made the movie sound dreadful. I found it hard to believe that anything with Sean Penn and Kristin Scott Thomas would be awful and had to check out the film for myself. My conclusion -- it is quite good, engaging, and definitely worth watching.

The lead actors as well as most of the supporting cast are rather wonderful. Though, I wish that someone slightly more dashing and not so limp played the role of the Austrian student, even if the stumbling manner and sudden onset of neurosis are required of the part. The scenery is inviting; the sets are great; the variety of accents is interesting; some of the extras are a bit shaky. The film is not so much about the setting, the era, or the social/political/economic spheres, though all of these have a firm bearing on the events and characters. It is chiefly about human actions under pressure of circumstances, about relationships, flights of fancy, slip-ups, weaknesses, trust and emotional maneuvering. "Up at the Villa" addresses these topics as good as any other period film.

I recommend this movie to those who, like I, enjoyed more than one of the following:

The Talented Mr. Ripley

Gosford Park

Howards End

Country Life

The Wings of the Dove

A Room with a View

The Remains of the Day

My summary above, just about sums my opinion up. This is based on a W.Somerset Maugham novella, If so the writers sure did not make it seem like any Maugham story I ever read. The first 3/4 hours are Ok & seem like a Maugham story then it goes downhill fast into melodrama, with all the required overacting dramatics that this well known cast can muster. Kristin Scott Thomas is the lead,(cross between Bette Davis & Gene Tierney) Sean Penn is a charming gigolo type & very subdued & with a very strange accent,(at least it is understandable. Jeremy Davies is a young refugee who sets off all the ensuing drama, with a bad accent. Anne Bancroft overacts as usual as the countess who knows all the secrets. James Fox is a usual a pompous --- cant he play anything else.

If you like beautiful scenery & sets, see this otherwise, give it a pass, My rating is **1/2

as always

jay harris

I was surprised by the low vote average for this movie. I

found the plot absorbing and not without charm. Anne Bancroft, Sean Penn, Derek Jakobi...these are actors that I

live to see perform together.

Usually Kristin Scott Thomas is not my cuppa tea. She's

certainly cast according to type and turns out an immaculate performance. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed watching her fine, slim,erect, long-necked, doe-eyed, ultimately British performance. She possesses

an irrefutably neat intelligence which one regards with only

a very a slight feeling of protest.

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If you like stories about the British upper class and their foibles abroad, you'll enjoy"Up At the Villa." (What a rotten title!) Edward Fox is the perfect gentleman (isn't he always?) Sean Penn is the perfect cad. (Isn't he always?) And Anne Bancroft notches up yet another role as the faded bitch. (Doesn't she do anything else these days?) It's a pretty straight and predictable love story/murder who done it, except we know all along that the victim "done it" to himself. It's in something the same genre as "Tea With Mussolini" with lovely shots of Florence and a faithful recreation of fascist Italy.

In 1938, Mary Panton is a broken young British widow living in Florence. Sir Edgar Swift (James Fox), a prominent Englishman indicated to be governor in India, proposes her to get married with him. The proximity with World War II makes persons living in this city tense, and Sir Edgar lends a gun to Mary, for her safety, while is traveling on business. Mary's best friend in Florence is the Italian Princess San Ferdinando (Anne Bancroft), a woman who loves gossips. One day, Mary goes with their friends to a restaurant, where she meets Rowley Flint (Sean Penn), a man with bad reputation, and she gets upset with him. On her way back home, she almost kills Karl Richter (Jeremy Davies), the violinist of restaurant where she was. The she realizes that he is indeed an Austrian refugee leaving Florence on the next day and a very sensible man. She has an affair him. But Karl falls in love with her and decides not to leave Florence anymore. Mary explains him that she just wanted one night stand with him and Karl, feeling rejected, commits suicide with Sir Edgar's gun. From now on, Mary Panton has to lie, betray and blackmail, trying to survive to the situation raised by this murder. This romance is a good movie. Anne Bancroft has an outstanding performance, and Sean Penn, Kristin Scott Thomas, James Fox and Jeremy Davies has a great acting, as usual. The story is amoral, having ingredients of romance and suspense. The greatest problem, in my point of view, is the lack of chemistry between the characters of Kristin Scott Thomas and Sean Penn. Somehow they do not fit each other, but maybe this is the intention of the novel. I have not read the book. However, it is a good entertainment. My vote is seven.

Well, great costumes and a wonderful `feel' for Pre WWII Italy. But what happened here?

Great actors...Kristin Scott Thomas, Sean Penn, Anne Bancroft, James Fox, Derek Jacobi ...if you can't get memorable performances out of this `A List' then the problem with this movie must be blamed on pitiful direction and an inadequate script. I rented this on DVD after having liked "Angels & Insects" (1995) also directed by Philip Haas.

Yipes! I can hardly believe how dull this thing was. It just dragged on and on and no one was able to save the poor thing. This is not even a good intriguing-foreign-dudes-and-young-things-in- pretty-clothes chick flick!

"Tea With Mussolini" Gone Amuck!

If this is a thriller, then I forgot what the genre is all about. This is a period piece, plain and simple...there is no sense of climax or anticipation or "thrill".....It's not a bad movie.....It's just a movie, somewhat on the bland side....To me, it's not much of a romance, for you really never feel that Kristen Scott Thomas and Sean Penn have much chemistry between them, like Thomas and Fiennes did in the English Patient. This is an average movie. If you like Italy, you like the WW2 time period, and you like Thomas & Penn, then you may enjoy this.

This was a little surprise recent movie for me..... Considering, I've been watching so many newly released junk, cranking from Hollywood these days....... I mean, to the point, where I was just simply hopeless, wondering, if Hollywood was ever gonna make anymore decent, quality films, ''which made sense''...... I found ''Up At The Villa'' a consistent film, which held on to my attention..... Kristin Scott Thomas plays her role very well.... Her character was believable thru out, and her acting, natural...... Although, I kinda found this film, pretentious at times, involving upper class europeans etc...... Very typical, or maybe just the way, the movie is presented..... Sometimes, the film is too talky, especially, w/ scenes between Kristin & Sean Penn...... Sean Penn, is probably the entire film's, most miscast actor...... He seems so detached from the movie, like he dropped in from somewhere else...... He doesn't have much chemistry w/ Kristin, and their relationship, isn't believable..... It's not even about Sean's physical appearance, but the way her carries himself, and his gestures, when he talks, sounding like he's some rebellious hitman, or druglord, or ganster...... whatever..... As much as he tried to belong, I think, this is not the type of film suitable for him..... I don't even know, why he accepted it, to begin w/....... As such a reputable decent actor, playing an unconvincing role like this, just downgrade's his status......

"You're never a great man, when you have more mind than heart." E.P. Beauchene

In a nutshell, Mary, (Kristin Scott Thomas), a distractingly beautiful English widow has more heart than mind in this period piece. A noble thing to have, unless your naivety of heart gets you into places you never dreamed your heart would lead you.

This excellent period piece takes place in fascist Italy. A group of English aristocrats worlds intertwine, with a twist. Kristin Scott Thomas' charmingly elegant character sparks life so intriguing, you'll find yourself leaning toward the tube.

Many reviewers peg this as a tale of "lust". I disagree. I find no lust at all in this movie. What I do find, is a woman torn by her emotions and doing the right thing or the "kind" thing. Even Sean Penn is laid-back with his enduring advances.

I found it to be a monument to human emotions, both caring and caustic.

Pre-WWII European governments were staffed by bureaucrats or aristocrats who advanced by maintaining the status quo; by avoiding attention or destroying rivals. In this environment, the main character, a widowed British expatriate, has no options beyond a marriage of convenience. In the confusion surrounding preparations for WWII, she encounters the elements of risk and life or death decisions, changing her options. Very interesting story, typically good Scott-Thomas, appropriately low-key Penn. Maugham liked to put his characters in traps and then see if he could get them out. Shades of "Casablanca."

It's the late 1930s around Florence. Sir Edgar Swift (James Fox) is the distinguished governor of Bengal who has come to court the widow Mary Panton (Kristin Scott Thomas). She loved her husband as he turned into a drunken gambler who squandered all of their money. Sir Swift proposes to her and she promises an answer upon his return. He leaves her with a gun as he fears a deteriorating security situation. She is hounded by Lucky Leadbetter (Derek Jacobi) who is after fresh-faced English young men. Princess San Ferdinando (Anne Bancroft) is a woman who had many flings and lots of connections. She introduces Mary to playboy Rowley Flint (Sean Penn) at a dinner party. Italian fascist Beppino Leopardi doesn't like Rowley. She rejects Rowley's advances and kicks him out of her car. She almost runs over Karl Richter (Jeremy Davies) who was a bad musician at the party. He's a refugee escaping the Nazis after organizing resistance as a student in Austria. She invites him back to her villa and they spend the night together. Leopardi imposes new restrictions on the foreign presence. Karl becomes unruly and Mary pulls out the gun. Karl takes it away and shoots himself with it. Rowley helps her dispose of the body.

Sean Penn somehow doesn't fit this time and this story. He never disappears into this role. He sticks out in this period piece like a sore thumb. Also the story lacks tension. There is some limited tension with Leopardi but that's resolved well before the end. The romance doesn't have any intensity. This should be a lot better. I do like Jeremy Davies' performance in a minor role.

A rich period piece centered on the lives of wealthy residents of pre WWII Florence, `Up At The Villa' is lovely to look at, but dull to watch. The story focuses on about four days in the life of Mary Panton (Kristin Scott Thomas), an English socialite living in Florence. Mary's serene and boring life is turned upside down by a proposal from Sir Edgar (James Fox), a very wealthy man she doesn't love; her fascination with Rowley Flint (Sean Penn), a roguish playboy who irritates and attracts her; and a peccadillo with an indigent Austrian refugee. As if that is not enough excitement for the bland widow, the refugee commits suicide when she tries to explain to him that their night of passion wasn't true love, but an act of kindness and pity on her part.

The principal problem here is that the main characters are so flawed that the viewer is unable to care about anything that happens to them. The only charismatic character is Princess Ferdinando (Anne Bancroft), a delightfully irreverent busybody. Mary makes so many bad decisions in such a short period that it is difficult to have any respect for her. Rowley is simultaneously repugnant and pathetic and Sir Edgar is about as interesting as a decapitated mushroom.

The best thing about the film is the cinematography and the period renderings. Director Philip Haas and cinematographer Maurizio Calvesi combine to bring us breathtaking scenes of Florentine splendor. The Villa that was selected was majestic and the period costumes, cars, furniture and props were wonderfully accurate. This natural beauty in conjunction with some excellent lighting effects made this film a feast for the eyes.

Kristin Scott Thomas' performance was marvelous despite the haplessness of her character. She was emotional and confused, and she looked lovely doing it. Sean Penn was utterly miscast as Rowley. Penn is best playing offbeat and outrageous characters. In his attempt to contain his natural outlandishness, he came across as far too restrained and lacked the dashing and cavalier attitude that one expects from such a playboy. Together they had as much chemistry as used dishwater.

The best performance was unquestionably that of Anne Bancroft. She gave an unrestrained and effluent performance as the Grande Dame that glistened with dynamic energy. It is too bad she didn't get more screen time.

I rated this film a 7/10 on the strength of the photography and a great performance by Anne Bancroft. The story isn't bad, but it is far from inspiring. It will probably play better to female audiences than male due to the highly emotional nature of the heroine.

I had wanted to see this film for at least two reasons. I liked the actors Sean Penn and Derek Jacobi and I love Somerset Maugham's books. I was disappointed when I read the mixed/unfavorable reviews this film got but I decided to go see it anyway since I don't always listen to the critics!

Anyway, when I walked in the theatre my first response was - uh oh. I don't mean to be ageist but most of the people in the audience were over 50. I forged ahead though.

The film starts out real slow and I was really concerned for the first 20 minutes that I made a mistake and that this was going to be another stuffy period piece. I found out quickly that the characters were not at all likable but that ended up enhancing the story.

The movie started getting interested when the main character, Mary, ends up having an affair with a poor young refugee because she feels "sorry for him" and is emulating the behavior of her rich, awful, self centered friend the queen (played brilliantly by Anne Bancroft). Well, this affair ends with tragic results and then the movie becomes quite engrossing and the characters really become interesting.

I really enjoyed Kristen Scott Thomas' performance and felt that she portrayed her complex character well. Anne Bancroft and Derek Jacobi were top notch as usual and really added to the film. Derek Jacobi actually ended up being the only likable character in the film even if he was over the top at times.

I was less than thrilled with Sean Penn's performance and am surprised at the positive reviews of him. I've liked this actor since he appeared in Bad Boys and Fast Times at Ridgemont High but felt he was miscast. He really seemed to stick out like a sore thumb and I didn't like his portrayal of his character - he made this guy seem like a charicature of a macho American during the 30's.

Overall, I was glad I saw the film and enjoyed it. I definitely enjoyed it a lot more than "The End of An Affair" which for some weird reason did get lots of positive reviews even though it wasn't nearly as interesting or engaging.

My advise is ignore the reviews and stick this one out after the first 20 minutes - it's worth it.

Few critics or fellow film fans have given this period romance much slack, perhaps expecting more passion or more overt drama. As it's a Somerset Maugham adaptation, the simple tale deals with folks whose manner does not allow for much passion, who live in a period where reasonable marriages are prized--and that is the problem our repressed heroine, Kristen Scott Thomas faces as she grapples with oncoming age and a lack of financial resources; she meets American rascal Sean Penn, who is not Cary Grant nor was meant to be, but a playful lover who lives for the moment; it's refreshing to see Penn stretch different acting muscles without the usual angst and anger; There are numerous side benefits for those who enjoy an immersion in period--Tuscany during the rise of repressive Fascism, the Villa on well-manicured grounds, and Anne Bancroft deliciously dishy as a self-indulgent American princess. It's not a great film by any means, but I recommend it as a leisurely cinematic amble for a Sunday afternoon matinée. Afterwoods you can go out on the lawn for a game of croquet.

"Up At the Villa" is a plodding, understated, dialogue-intensive "little" drama about love, sex, misdeeds, and other intrigues of decadent British aristocrats occupying Florence, Italy in days prior to WWII. Built around the Thomas character, what the film lacks in depth it makes up for with a well crafted script, excellent performances, and grand scenery.

Yes, I know you know it is not the book. But I have to say so. So here it is "It is not the book" Now that being said some movies capture the essence of a book. This is not one of them. Some movies have characters that look or at least act like the book. This is not one of those movies. Some moves stick to the storyline and do not adlib for dramatic sake. Again, this is not one of those movies.

So now we know what it is not. What is it? This movie is stilted and more like an adaptation from a play. Forgetting about the book stuff, the characters work O. K. Except for Sean Pen who looks more like a bum with a bad rug on his head. He distracts from the character that he is supposed to be playing. Some movies are paced slowly to give you time to absorb the flavor of the location and people. This movie is just paced slowly. I will not tell you of the disappointing conclusion other than to say ... You guessed it. It is not like the book.

This film is OK because of It's performances and drama. But the plot is a tad confusing. I get the romance and even some of the suspense that comes in the romance and drama. It's just something in this film that struck me odd. Oh well, I still think adults will like this film for it's actors- Kristen Scott Thomas, Sean Penn, Anne Bancroft and Jeremy Davies, who made a breakthrough in Saving Private Ryan, and almost saves the movie here. B

UP AT THE VILLA fooled me into thinking I`d be watching something similar to GOSFORD PARK . The film opens at a ballroom in 1930s Italy which is populated by vulgar Americans and uptight upper class Brits , but in truth UP AT THE VILLA plays out far more like a Merchant -Ivory production which is very bad news because it`s a very slow , and I do mean very slow romantic drama with some of the romance being very unlikely . If you like slow romantic dramas you might like this movie . I didn`t

This movie should have been promoted more aggressively. It's low rating on IMDB is unwarranted because it is one of the year's best.

Kristin Scott Thomas puts in an absolutely marvelous performance as Mary, a young British widow, penniless but beautiful. She is part of a group of British and American expatriates living in 1938 Italy. Her best friend, Ann Bancroft as the Princessa, advises her to marry the much older, but very rich British diplomat (James Fox) and take younger lovers. Two such lovers in the persons of Sean Penn (a married American of devastating charm but uncertain background) and Jeremy Davies ( a poor, young Austrian refugee) appear.

The plot never slackens or loses interest as we follow Mary through a labyrinthe of unexpected twists and turns.

I found this film charming and more than acceptable. It is one of the few in my lexicon which I will watch again.

"Up at the Villa" is a visually captivating film that presents an interesting premise, but ultimately falls short of delivering the emotional depth or narrative richness required to make it a truly memorable experience. Directed by Philip Haas, this drama unfolds in the picturesque landscapes of Italy and centers around a woman (Kristin Scott Thomas) who, in the midst of personal turmoil, finds herself entangled in a complex affair while navigating life's unexpected twists.

The film is set in 1930s Italy, against the backdrop of political instability and social upheaval. The central character, Mary, is an Englishwoman struggling with her life's direction, caught between a potential marriage to a wealthy man and an affair with a charismatic stranger. The story touches on themes of love, betrayal, and choices that define one's future, all set within the beautiful Italian villa that serves as the film's main locale.

Visually, "Up at the Villa" is stunning. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Italian countryside in a way that enhances the film's nostalgic and romantic feel. The locations are lush and picturesque, and the setting creates an idyllic atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the internal emotional chaos of the characters. The film's aesthetic does much of the emotional heavy lifting, with the cinematography and score working in tandem to create a sense of longing and melancholy.

However, despite its beautiful visuals, the film struggles to connect on a deeper emotional level. The character of Mary is intriguing, but the script doesn't fully explore her motivations or inner conflict in a meaningful way. While Kristin Scott Thomas gives a solid performance, she is somewhat restrained by a script that doesn't allow her to fully develop the complexity of her character. The film's pacing also feels uneven, and the dialogue, while competent, never quite reaches the emotional intensity required to make the story's stakes feel urgent or meaningful.

The film's premise, which could have been rich with emotional and moral tension, is often overshadowed by its lack of narrative drive. Much of the conflict feels contrived, and while the film touches on deep themes of love, duty, and consequence, it does so in a way that feels too surface-level to resonate fully.

"Up at the Villa" is a film that showcases style over substance. While it offers a beautifully crafted setting and some strong performances, it fails to deliver the emotional resonance and depth that could have elevated it into something truly remarkable. It's an enjoyable watch for those in search of a visually striking, period drama, but ultimately, it doesn't offer much more than that.

I read this short novel in a couple of days and it was such a treat. I like to watch films after I read the books but when I saw Sean Penn and Kristin Scott Thomas I thought to myself... who did the casting for this film! What RIDICULOUS choices. This film could have been a hit had they chose appropriate actors. First of all, Mary is supposed to be 30, yet still incredibly beautiful with cinnamon colored skin and light golden brown hair, which I believe was supposed to be long and gorgeous. Her body was supposed to still show her youth (not the unfortunate anorexic appearance of Kristin Scott Thomas). And Sean Penn could never have been Rowley... he was supposed to be younger than Mary and not be particularly attractive (I think S.P. is downright vulgar looking), but still incredibly magnetic (which S.P. lacks). A better fit would have been Ryan Gosling.

What a shame and waste of money to make a film that doesn't even fit the books character depictions!