Easy Virtue Review - page 2

10-11-2008 10:35

Jessica Biel really is the surprise as she takes on the role of Larita producing her best performance of her career so far and seems comfortable with comedy delivering her witty one liners with ease, plus she looks fabulous in her 1920's costumes.

It's good to see a change of pace for newbie Ben Barnes after his exploits of the summer in Prince Caspian, a role he is set to reprise, as the innocent John Whittaker who is naive in both life and love and finds himself torn between the love for his wife and the sense of duty that he has for his family and it's great to see an new side to this young actor as he provides strong support.

But the really classy performances come from Kristen Scott Thomas as the family matriarch and possessive mother keen to control every aspect of her three children' life and is horrified at John's choice of wife. Her over the top reaction to the situation and her constant put downs really will strike a cord with many who do have a mother in law from hell, her performance is nothing short of brilliant.

Colin Firth is also excellent as Mr Whittaker who is truly troubled by his experience of war and hides his pain behind his humour but he give Larita a warm welcome and at last finds an ally in his house against his wife. As well as bringing perfect comic timing to the role he also brings real sensitivity as he tells Larita that he is the only man his age in their village and he couldn't save his men.

But just check out Kris Marshall as the butler who steals every scene that he is in with this hilarious observations.

OK so it's no Gosford Park but then in never tries to be as, on the whole, Elliott gives a faithful adaptation of Coward's play and is a brilliant observation of the class system throw in some acid one liners it's wit on a grand scale that has a lightness often missing in the costume drama so kick back and enjoy.

Easy Virtue is out on general release now.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw