Genre: Drama
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Matthias Schoenaerts, Dakota Johnson
Description: The vacation of a famous rock star (Tilda Swinton) and her boyfriend (Matthias Schoenaerts) in Italy is disrupted by the unexpected visit of an old friend (Ralph Fiennes) and his daughter (Dakota Johnson)
Review: Celebrity couple Marianne and Paul seem to only need each other. Marianne is a famous rock star and Paul is a documentary film maker and they are enjoying their carefree vacation in a villa in Pantelleria, Italy. Their days are filled with sunshine, sex, good food and swimming. Their tranquility is disturbed by the unexpected arrival of an old friend, Harry, a flamboyant, screaming and unbridled music producer who immediately claims all their space and attention. He also brought his 22-year-old daughter Penelope, whom he met only a year ago.
“A Bigger Splash” is inspired by “La Piscine” by Jacques Deray, which was an erotic cult hit from the sixties. Sicilian director Luca Guadagnino follows the moods and atmosphere of this film, but turns his film into something far more interesting. “A Bigger Splash” goes deeper: with the characters, who are all layered, and the underlying psychology of these four people.
The way “A Bigger Splash” is filmed is stunning: the lighting, framing, movements, montage, locations, wardrobes. It all looks beautiful. Although it’s mostly very subtle, the film has something bold and obstinate. Along the way more (sexual) tension and drama enters their lives.
Tilda Swinton and Matthias Schoenaerts are both very good, but it’s Ralph Fiennes who stands out and steals the show. It is in fact one of his best roles to date. As Harry, he manages to be both unbearable and irresistible.
“A Bigger Splash’’ is funny, sad, melancholic and sensual. A very good and beautiful looking film.
Rating: 4/ 5
