It is clear that Allen wrote the main character with himself in mind. The neurotic babbling in the dialogue shows this way to often. It just doesn't suit Colin Firth at all, and it brings down the whole experience with him in the leading role. Owen Wilson might have pulled it off, like he did in Midnight in Paris, but Firth? No.
Other than that, it s a film that certainly isn't lacking beautiful scenery and clothes, but it does lack attention to detail and more than often feels rushed in its production and editing. Some scenes ends too abrutply. On many occasions the emotions of the characters isn't accentuated by close ups (and acting!). And to keep a magical shimmer throughout, the photographer decided to always shoot at 6 pm to catch that setting sun light, regardless of the actual time in the story. At 3 pm in one scene, the characters casts long shadows on the cliffs for example. Details perhaps, but still annoying. And for the romance part, there is no spark whatsoever- Firth again to blame, so the whole idea with the film falls flat.
Stone, McBurney and Atkins are great in their roles, especially with the flawed material they had to work with. The others are forgettable.
Other than that, it s a film that certainly isn't lacking beautiful scenery and clothes, but it does lack attention to detail and more than often feels rushed in its production and editing. Some scenes ends too abrutply. On many occasions the emotions of the characters isn't accentuated by close ups (and acting!). And to keep a magical shimmer throughout, the photographer decided to always shoot at 6 pm to catch that setting sun light, regardless of the actual time in the story. At 3 pm in one scene, the characters casts long shadows on the cliffs for example. Details perhaps, but still annoying. And for the romance part, there is no spark whatsoever- Firth again to blame, so the whole idea with the film falls flat.
Stone, McBurney and Atkins are great in their roles, especially with the flawed material they had to work with. The others are forgettable.