Review of The Painted Veil (2006) by Raquel R — 21 Sep 2009

John Curran is an intriguing choice as director to helm this cinematic version of W. Somerset Maugham's novel of lust, betrayal and redemption. Previously helming the overrated Australian film "Praise" and then the utterly dull and distasteful "We Don't Live Here Anymore", he has shown his mantle as an actors director (both Sasha Horler and Laura Dern giving searing performances in respective films) but perhaps not giving as much care and attention to the narrative. It's fortunate then that he has an excellent novel as source material. Let me say outright then that "The Painted Veil" is beautifully directed, written and extraordinarily photographed (by Australian Stuart Dryburgh) and from the very beginning engages with its moody vistas, intriguing backstory, and complex characterisations.

It's clear that this is a labour of love for all, as evidenced by the fact that Norton and Watts are listed as producers. Indeed Norton is perfect as the straight-laced, composed doctor who falls too quickly for Watts's society girl, and his devastation and revenge at her betrayal is conveyed with a terribly civilised but subtle nastiness. Here, Naomi Watts is centre screen for much of the film and, finally, she rises to the occasion and gives us a complex character - an initially spirited, selfish girl who marries to get away from family only to blunder into an affair, to rail against the unfairness of her failures and eventually to find a selflessness and composure and even love amidst terrible conditions. Toby Jones as Waddington is a wonderful steady presence, and his character undergoes an interesting subversion of expectation. It is also nice to see Dame Diana Rigg spouting sage advice as a Mother Superior.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with this cast and Curran, but it's a film that really haunts you, and makes you ponder on the nature of romance and love. Its langourous beauty does possibly end in a rather abrupt denouement, but apart from that it is really a very superb film in every way.