Review of The Tourist (2010) by Lee P — 06 Apr 2012
"The Tourist" was made with the best of intentions, there is no denying that. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's ode to Alfred Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief" is breezy, charming entertainment.
The story here may seem pat on the surface, and upon it's initial viewing the ending may come out of left field for some. But be sure to pay attention because everything does add up. By design you will not be able to fully appreciate Elise (Angelina Jolie) and Frank's (Johnny Depp) romantic relationship, which is a major part of the film, the first go around.
It's in that narrative hurdle that many will be turned off by the film or worse, dismiss it all together once it ends, but like I said, a second viewing will certainly clear things up and even make it much more enjoyable.
The chemistry between Jolie and Depp is, much like the film, light as a feather. This is something that can also be counted as a detractor but I thought it worked quite well. Films of this style need a breezy air about them and Jolie and Depp easily bring that to the table.
In the end "The Tourist" is misunderstood and underrated. I think many contemporary film goers just aren't familiar with 1950s European romantic mysteries like "To Catch a Thief" making it nearly impossible for them to properly gage "The Tourist.
" If you are aware of this style "The Tourist" will be a light, fun diversion. It's nothing special but it's certainly nice to see that they tried.
This review of The Tourist (2010) was written by Lee P on 06 Apr 2012.
The Tourist has generally received mixed reviews.
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