By Emily-Rose Toohey
Dalveen Film Society hosted a special screening of Under the Tuscan Sun for the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival on Thursday 3 March.
The 2003 released film stars Diane Lane as Frances, a book critic who finds out her husband’s cheating on her.
As a result, her life is turned completely upside down.
But as it turns out, this major life event is exactly what she needs.
When Frances’ best friend (portrayed by Sandra Oh) falls pregnant, she is unable to go on a trip to Italy with her partner – a tour for LGBTQ couples, it turns out.
After some persuasion, Frances takes up the offer and packs her bags for a soon to be remembered trip of a lifetime.
Instead of committing to the whole tour, she abandons the group and purchases an old home in Tuscany on a whim.
She meets locals, tries to find new love, and forms life long bonds with the people she meets.
The film as a whole is an escape from everyday life into the ancient streets of Italy.
In a way, it’s an escapist movie and is easy to watch as we follow a woman recovering from a major life event and blossoming into a stronger, happier person.
The film promises us a grand getaway, but overall, Under the Tuscan Sun is very average.
Although the beautiful scenery shown may take away from the film’s mediocrity, it’s hard to ignore the sub-par, often cringe worthy writing and acting.
That being said, the film was a perfect choice to show during the Apple and Grape Festival week.
It captures the atmosphere and serenity of a getaway to Italy, and the adventures this can offer.
In fact, it’s a rather effective comfort film – easy to digest and sit with.
In a way, it could be compared with Eat Pray Love.
However, Under the Tuscan Sun is more accomplished.
Nonetheless, if ever one wants to imagine a getaway to Italy, this one’s for you.
It’s not the best travel-themed movie set in Italy (this reviewer recommends Call Me By Your Name, as heartbreaking as it is), but it’s fun and very much a product of the time – early 2000s.
Under the Tuscan Sun is available for streaming on Disney+.
