The Aspern Papers (film)

The Aspern Papers is a 2018 period drama, co-written, co-produced and directed by Julien Landais, based on Jean Pavans' scenic adaptation of Henry James' eponymous 1888 novel.[2][3] The film stars Jonathan Rhys-Meyers,[4] Joely Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave; Academy Award-winner James Ivory acting as executive producer.[5][6]

For the 1947 film based on The Aspern Papers, see The Lost Moment.

The Aspern Papers
Directed byJulien Landais
Produced byGabriela Bacher, Julien Landais, Prince Charles-Henri de Lobkowicz
Screenplay byJulien Landais, Jean Pavans, Hannah Bhuiya
Based onThe Aspern Papers
by Henry James
StarringJonathan Rhys-Meyers
Joely Richardson
Vanessa Redgrave
Music byVincent Carlo
CinematographyPhilippe Guilbert
Edited byHansjörg Weissbrich
Distributed byCohen Media (US, Canada)
Release date
  • 30 August 2018 (2018-08-30) (Venice Film Festival)
Running time
90 minutes[1]
CountryUnited Kingdom
Germany
LanguageEnglish

Plot

Set in Venice in the late 19th century and based on Henry James' novella of the same name,The Aspern Papers is a story of obsession, grandeur lost, and dreams of Byronesque adventures.

Ambitious editor Morton Vint is fascinated by the Romantic poet Jeffrey Aspern and by his icon's short and wildly romantic life. Having travelled from America to Venice, he is determined to get his hands on the letters Aspern wrote to his beautiful lover and muse, Juliana Bordereau.

Now the ferocious guardian of their secrets, Juliana lives in a grand but rather dilapidated Venetian palazzo with her niece, Miss Tina. Posing as prospective lodger, Morton charms Miss Tina, who leads a very quiet life dominated by her aunt. At first hiding his real intentions, he eventually confesses his true passion to Miss Tina. She reluctantly agrees to help him.

But Juliana is suspicious of Morton, and a confrontation between the two of them shows how frail the strong-willed old lady actually is. Morton flees the house. When he returns, he learns of Juliana's death. Miss Tina is now willing to share the infamous letters with him, but the condition she sets is one that Morton finds he cannot fulfill, after all.

Deeply ashamed by the rejection, Tina overcomes her embarrassment and hurt and finds an unknown inner strength. When Morton reconsiders his decision, she confronts him with a revelation.[7]

Cast

Release

The Aspern Papers was first screened at the 2018 Venice Film Festival.[8] It was selected as the opening film wth world premiere at 49th International Film Festival in Goa.[9]

Reception

The film holds a 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from a total of 20 reviews, indicating strong dislike.[10] Several critics lamented the film's sluggishness; John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter called the film "more lifeless than its namesake's long-dead body,"[11] while David Lewis of the San Francisco Chronicle labeled it "a Merchant-Ivory film - on Quaaludes,"[12] giving it 1 out of 4 stars. Many critics considered the performance from Jonathan Rhys-Meyers to be one of the picture's worst aspects; writing for Slant Magazine, Keith Watson said:

"Rhys-Meyers is absurdly unconvincing throughout. With his gratingly thin American accent, stilted line readings, and rigid, glowering facial expressions, the actor demonstrates all the range and emotional depth of Derek Zoolander. He evokes none of Vint’s intelligence or passion, rendering him instead a dull, hectoring cipher."[13]

References
  1. "The Aspern Papers". Regal Cinemas. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  2. Mitchell, Robert (15 February 2018). "ARRI Media Boards Henry James Adaptation 'The Aspern Papers'". Variety. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  3. McNary, Dave (4 August 2017). "Jonathan Rhys Meyers Joins Vanessa Redgrave in Period Drama 'The Aspern Papers'". Variety. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  4. N'Duka, Amanda (4 August 2017). "Jonathan Rhys Meyers To Star In 'The Aspern Papers'". Deadline. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  5. "City of Florence Honors James Ivory at 'Room With a View' 30-Year Anniversary". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  6. "The Aspern Papers". Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  7. "The Aspern Papers : Current Highlights : International : ARRI Media". www.arrimedia.de (in German). Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  8. Anderson, Ariston (13 August 2018). "Venice to Debut 'The Aspern Papers' Alongside Vanessa Redgrave's Golden Lion Award". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  9. "IFFI to open with world premiere of 'The Aspern Papers'". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 15 November 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 3 March 2019.CS1 maint: others (link)
  10. The Aspern Papers (2019), retrieved 24 April 2019
  11. "'The Aspern Papers': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  12. January 9, David Lewis; January 9, 2019 Updated; 2019; Pm, 2:13. "'The Aspern Papers' starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers a dud in Venice". Datebook | San Francisco Arts & Entertainment Guide. Retrieved 24 April 2019.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. Watson, Keith. "Review: The Aspern Papers". Retrieved 24 April 2019.
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