Fast-Paised review: 'The Painted Veil'

Remake unveils the pain of romantic regret

By Matt Pais

December 28, 2006

Taking over parts from Herbert Marshall and Greta Garbo in the 1934 film of the same name, Edward Norton and Naomi Watts play an unhappy couple confronting infidelity, depression and a cholera epidemic in 1925 China.

Big question: Can director John Curran ("We Don't Live Here Anymore") tell another painful story of infidelity and make this one of the better remakes?

Catch it: Norton almost always excels at breathing life into what's under the surface, and Watts matches him step for step, with both delivering wonderfully hushed performances. Like a less action-driven "The Constant Gardener," "The Painted Veil" juxtaposes a personal story with the experiences of many who suffer. On both levels, the film understands that commitment is a state of mind, and even a moment of happiness is never irrelevant.

Skip it: If you don't buy that a woman like Kitty (Watts) would be taken by Walter's (Norton) half-hearted self-promotion: "I think I improve greatly upon acquaintance."

Bottom line: The final scene is totally unnecessary, but "The Painted Veil" is a delicate work of smothered passion that taps into the agony of a loveless marriage. As marital indifference becomes too much to bear, the movie looks into the gradual withering of a heart and the power of one final, surprising beat.

Bonus: Can't shake that pesky case of the sniffles? Quit complaining and thank your lucky stars you don't have cholera! No comparison.

Matt Pais is the metromix movies producer.

----

'The Painted Veil'

Directed by John Curran; screenplay by Ron Nyswaner, based on Somerset Maugham's novel; cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh; edited by Alexandre de Franceschi; production design by Tu Juhua; music by Alexandre Desplat; produced by Sara Colleton, Jean-Francois Fonlupt, Bob Yari, Edward Norton and Naomi Watts. A Warner Independent Pictures release; opens Friday. Running time: 2:05. MPAA rating: PG-13 (for some mature sexual situations, partial nudity, disturbing images and brief drug content).

Kitty Fane - Naomi Watts

Walter Fane - Edward Norton

Charlie Townsend - Liev Schreiber

Waddington - Toby Jones