Based on a novel that was based on a true story about love and lust amongst some about-to-be famous artists in Edwardian Britain this pretty period costume drama is the most tedious of affairs. Essentially the tale of A J Munnings, who would go on to not only become Britain’s most famous painter of horses but also the President of The Royal Academy. As a young man he was evidently a loud-mouthed hedonist who bedded so many woman but still insisted on marrying one of them whilst maintaining his coterie quite indiscreetly.
His chosen bride was Florence Carter-Wood who was so infatuated with AJ as an artist that she willingly refused the attentions of another suitor Gilbert Evans who was really in love with her. The marriage was doomed before it started and Florence even tried to poison herself before the Wedding Reception was over. A struggling artist in her own right, she was perpetually depressed and frustrated and even when she eventually sought refuge in Gilbert’s arms it was too little and too late.
For a story that was meant to be about love and lust, it was completely devoid of any sign of passion at all. Director Christopher Menaul, in his feature film debut. had gathered together a handful of some very talented actors but even they couldn’t salvage much from this very dull script. They include Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens who must have thought he was playing it safe with his first leap to the big screen by playing yet another ‘nice chap’. And then there was Dominic Cooper who seemed to think that he could make his portrayal of A.J. more interesting by shouting a lot!
The single redeeming feature of this very lame piece was the gorgeous setting. The artists colony was based in a large rambling estate in Cornwall one of the prettiest coastal counties in the West Country. Award winning cinematographer Andrew Dunn gave us some stunning panoramas and added to Nic Ede’s eye catching costumes, it was at least a visual treat if nothing else.
Available on DVD in the UK but I cannot see it ever opening in the US, even for die-hard Downton fans.
★★★★
