The FiFi Report 126

The White Countess …directed by James Ivory, (A Merchant Ivory film) .
Who: Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave
Genre: Romantic historical drama, a chick flick with war.
The Plot: Shanghai 1930s, disillusioned and blind ex US diplomat meets gorgeous refugee White Russian countess. She works as an escort in a bar. Diplomat opens his own Jazz Club ‘The white Countess’. Drinks. Flirts with Countess. Japanese invade. War. Love. betrayal. It’s Merchant Ivory.
Acting: Natasha Richardson is fabulous; Ralph is cold but warms up.
Photography: Beautifully shot looks almost like a 1930’s movie.
Set design: sumptuous period design. Sit there and be inspired.
Salon de Beaute: Gorgeous hair and makeup. Natasha Richardson looks amazing.
Wardrobe: Brocade coats, 30’s hats, trench coats, bias cut evening dresses. Superb. ‘A costume drama that is heavy on the costumes but light on the drama.’
Waterproof mascara: Repeat from last week: 6 coats then use tissues.
Botox: War. Love. betrayal. It’s Merchant Ivory. Bring on the botox
Smooches: No sparks between Richardson and Fiennes but who cares? It’s Merchant Ivory.
Blood’n’guts: Ditto
Best review: “Sensuously photographed, sedate in its storytelling and spotlighting extraordinary actors wielding impeccable accents, The White Countess marks a fitting conclusion to the celebrated partnership of James Ivory and the late Ismail Merchant.” LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
Best worst review: “is something of a lacquered dud and The White Countess, not just the White Countess—is irredeemably dull.”
Rename it: The Constant English Patient.
Moral to the story: Love will find a way.
See it or donate to the Prada bag fund? See the movie. Like a groovy new Prada trend it’s hard to get your head around at first but at the end you’ll love it.
http://www.sonyclassics.com/whitecountess/