The Tourist [2010 Movie Review]

Standing in French couture upon a motor boat in Venice, Italy the stunning Angelina Jolie says, “Jack, come with me!” Now what man would pass that offer? Not Johnny Depp’s bewildered and bewitched Frank Tupelo. Jolie is the mysterious femme fatale, and Depp is the apparent random mark in Director/ Writer Florian Henckel von Donnersmack’s remake of “The Tourist”. The upside: The screen’s most gorgeous actors, Jolie and Depp, star in this cloak and dagger adventure in spectacular Venice. The downside: “The Tourist” is deathly slow in passages following a rather ordinary story of mistaken identity, intrigue, and espionage. The narrative twist works in “The Tourist”, because of the quirky chemistry of Jolie and Depp. A couple friends hinted this to me, so I was able to discern about half way through. Jolie is gorgeous and effortless—playing to her strengths. Depp is brilliantly nuanced in a way that keeps one guessing.

More uncertainty and surprise could have evolved “The Tourist” into something great. Screenwriters Christopher McQuarrie and Julian Fellowes’s revision of original work by Jerome Salle is less than inspired. However, their narrative is functional in patches leveraging Depp and Jolie charisma. “The Tourist” received nominations from the Golden Globes, which is puzzling. At best this is entertaining, but not distinguished work. Admittedly the cinematography of Venice is magnificent, capturing the radiance of light and energy of the city. The wardrobe like its stars is gorgeous. In one scene Jolie wears a stunning red gown to a royal ball that is breathtaking. Unfortunately, the seductive eye candy of “The Tourist” does not completely salvage its breezy languid exposition. The end almost justifies the frozen pacing.

Elise (Jolie), a rogue operative, in Paris guards the whereabouts of Alexander Pearce, the man who stole $2 billion from mobster Reginald Shaw (charismatic evil Steven Berkoff). Scotland Yard and intrepid Inspector John Acheson (intense Paul Bettany) are tracking Elise in attempt to recover $740 million in owed taxes. None too pleased Chief Inspector Jones (amazing Timothy Dalton) expects expedient results. Apparently, Pearce has altered his appearance to avoid capture. Elise is the key. In a letter, Pearce arranges for rendezvous. He instructs Elise to take the train to Venice, find someone who has his build; because he knows he is under surveillance. That would be unsuspecting widower Wisconsin high school math teacher Frank (Depp). Here Depp’s reactions and goofs make interesting the normal film noir homage. The web of intrigue begins.

The highlight of “The Tourist” is really Venice itself. The cinematography is so rich. Venice is spectacular under gorgeous sun or at night along the canals. “The Tourist” is pretty to look at, and that is about it. Jolie and Depp fuel enough chemistry to sustain our attention. I would not rush out to “The Tourist”; although, I might book a flight to Venice.

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