Shot in late 2006, the film is well worth the wait. In this striking adaptation of Peter Cameron's 2002 novel, the story is set in Uruguay but shot mostly outside Buenos Aires, Argentina. It centers on an Iranian-born graduate student, Omar (Metwally), at the University of Colorado whose financial aid depends on a biography he intends to write on the late Latin American author Jules Gund. Complications arise when Gund's estate denies Omar permission. Urged on by his girlfriend (Alexandra Maria Lara), he hightails it to Uruguay, where the author's extended family members live together on a crumbling estate. Widow Caroline (Linney) opposes the book in no uncertain terms, brother Adam (Hopkins) seems open to it, while Gund's mistress Arden (Gainsbourg) finds herself attracted to the young visitor. Omar's arrival only increases the tangled web woven through this odd bunch and threatens to disrupt whatever harmony there is.
There's dark comedy, drama, and a building love story that reaches a swooningly romantic crescendo. But if ever there was a film reliant on actors, it's this one, and all deliver. Metwally ("Munich," "Rendition") exhibits just the right blend of ambition and vulnerability to pull off a character caught in the middle of events—personal and professional—that seem out of his control. Linney might be accused of taking too theatrical a route toward exploring the conflicted and devious Caroline, but she nails her with just the right edge. Her line readings are priceless, biting, brittle, and flawlessly delivered. Although he's not the center of attention, Hopkins plays the likable Adam with great charm and ease. As his loving partner, Pete, Hiroyuki Sanada is unusual and smart casting. The stunning Gainsbourg is a perfect match for Metwally, and considering the strange circumstances of their meeting, their emerging mutual attraction is believable and touching. Also along for the ride, Norma Aleandro ("Central Station," "The Official Story") and Lara make the most of smaller roles and blend well into the superb ensemble Ivory has created.
Sadly, this is the first film Ivory has made without producing partner Ismail Merchant, who died shortly after preproduction began. It remains a fitting reminder of why the Merchant-Ivory label that has included best-picture nominees "Howards End," "A Room With a View," and "The Remains of the Day" still works so well.
Genre: Drama. Directed by James Ivory.
Screenplay by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala.
Starring: Laura Linney, Omar Metwally, Anthony Hopkins, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexandra Maria Lara, Norma Aleandro, Hiroyuki Sanada.