Review of A Bigger Splash (2015) by Julia L — 04 Dec 2016

Marianne and Paul are a rich, snobbish, fashionable couple. She is a rock star, he is a director. Their idyllic vacation/convalescence is disturbed by Marianne's ex-boyfriend (Harry) and his nymphet daughter. Not a groundbreaking plot, but should be enough for an entertaining story in the enchanted island of Pantelleria.

Unfortunately, quite a lot goes wrong: first the annoying Marianne character. Apparently it was Swinton herself to suggest that Marianne could not speak, to recover from some throat problems. The mute rock-star was already pretentious enough, but boyfriend Paul played by a wooden, expressionless Schoenaerts made for an insufferable pair.

Contrary to other reviewers, I found Harry the only engaging character, because of his vitality. His arrival stirs the dullness of the aloof couple's routine. Completely over the top, Harry dances, sings, cooks and actually speaks some Italian with the locals, contrary to hip couple who likes to keep their distance.

The background of Pantelleria should give some social commentary about the privileged life of the very rich and the tragedy of illegal immigrants, but it looks like a cheap trick to add substance to a fluffy piece of nothing.

Apart from the beautiful island, I was mostly impressed by Swinton's costumes. However clothes trumping story and (most) acting, usually indicate a mediocre movie.

The story is further spoiled by the inconclusive, silly ending and an additional note of demerit to Corrado Guzzanti, who for no discernible reason, plays the Italian inspector in a grotesque, offensive way.

I give half point to the costumes and half to Ralph Fiennes' interpretation.