A Good Year-It Really Was!

I have always been a big fan of Peter Mayle and have read all of his books about his adventures in the countryside in Provence in the South of France. I have watched his video based on the television series A Year In Provence many times and have always found it enjoyable.

When he published his latest work A Good Year in 2004 we were just coming home from a two week visit to the same wine region in Provence which is the setting for the book. I actually purchased it at the airport in Paris to read on the flight home!

It was an absolute delight. The story, the characters, and the vivid descriptions were a sheer joy. When the movie based on the novel was released, I was thrilled. Just released on video, I made a beeline to my nearest Blockbuster to rent this wonderful film.


The movie A Good Year is based very loosely on the book. The director, Ridley Scott, along with the excellent screenwriter Marc Klein, crafted a lovely romantic comedy that was both clever and enchanting. With the use of flashbacks, a heartwarming tale unfolds much of which was not in the novel, giving a richness to the story and weaving a fascinating and touching background to this appealing story.


THE PREMISE


Russell Crowe plays Max Skinner, an arrogant, self- serving stock and bond trader in London. He plays fast and loose with others’ money, taking risks along the way ,and is extremely successful doing so, both financially and in greatly furthering his career. He is sent on a “holiday” from his job as punishment for a venture that may have been even a little too speculative for him. This break comes just as he receives a letter that his Uncle, whom he hadn’t seen in a great many years had passed away with no will, leaving Max the sole inheritor to a wine-growing chateau in Provence. How is that for great timing!

While in France, he meets an incredible array of interesting characters. His story evolves, interspersed with wonderful and loving flashbacks of his childhood visits to his uncle’s chateau. As he succumbs to the charms of the beauty of the south of France and the slow-paced ,appealing and peaceful way of life, he is also thunderstruck by a local beauty.

I don’t want to give away any more of the story, but all of these elements combine to make a delightful, romantic comedy that was a sheer joy.


THE CAST AND CHARACTERS

Russell Crowe- vividly portrays Max Skinner,the main character, a rather full-of-himself stock and bond trader who gets a lesson in life and living while in the south of France


Albert Finney-starring as Henry Skinner
His character is revealed brilliantly throughout the movie in flashbacks.
He is a caring, charming character, revealed with a light-hearted slightly mysterious story of his own


Didier Boudon - a famous French actor, director and producer . He poignantly portrays the loyal caretaker of the estate, Francis Duflot. His interaction with Max Skinner is a key part of the story


Isabelle Candelier-Delightfully plays Ludivine Duffot, part-time housekeeper who adds a charming twist to the story

Marion Cotillard- Portrays the gorgeous love interest to Russell Crowe.

Abbie Cornish-plays Christie Roberts, the “California girl” who adds an essential key to the story


I must add that the untold star of this movie is Provence. Its beauty and luminous lighting makes this movie a joy to behold.





Ridley Scott-Producer/Director
Lisa Elizey-Executuve Producer
Branko Lustig-Executive Producer
Julie Payne-Executive Producer
Screenplay-Marc Klein

118 Minutes