(Rated PG-13)
Director Jonathan “Silence of The Lambs” Demme tackles his first screenplay in 26 years with a remake of the Cary Grant/Audrey Hepburn classic “Charade”. Set in Paris, Thandie Newton plays Regina, harassed by strangers intent on claiming money they think her murdered husband, Charlie, may have left behind. Mark Wahlberg plays Joshua, an American who just happens to show up whenever Regina needs him most in times espionage, car chases, bombings and eventual romance. But this is clearly Newton’s movie. Her performance is as elegant and outstanding as Hepburn’s, while Wahlberg, whose character is supposedly so multi-layered, seems flat. Newton, who usually plays period pieces “Jefferson In Paris”, “Beloved”, “Interview With A Vampire” finally shows her contemporary talents. Demme’s genre, however seems to be scattered. Part romantic thriller, part suspense film, it seems the director may be slightly schizophrenic. Even the movie’s soundtrack is all over the place. Songs written and crooned by Demme’s late nephew filmmaker Ted Demme, Francocentric sounds by Charles Aznavour and cameo by Anna Karina. Demme is hot on French new-wave cinema but not sure how to deliver it. Nor can either actor seem to deliver a French accent. But it’s clear in the stunning visuals, that Demme has a love affair with Paris. But then again, can you blame him?
