Score: 4/5
The saga of World War II is often source material for Hollywood directors looking to pull at the heartstrings of avid movie-goers, but Simon Curtis’ new film “Woman In Gold” is a refreshing, honest and simply wonderful story to bring alive on screen.
The movie followers Holocaust survivor Maria Altmann and her young, struggling lawyer Randol Schoenberg in a fight to reclaim pieces of art stolen by the Nazis during the war. Altmann’s family owned several pieces, but she is particularly passionate about acquiring the painting of her aunt, more commonly known as “Woman In Gold” by Gustav Klimt.
The painting is referred to in the film as the “Mona Lisa of Austria,” so naturally the Austrian government is not keen on giving up the world famous work of art. Altmann, played by Helen Mirren, and Schoenberg, played by Ryan Reynolds, claw all the way to the United States Supreme Court in attempt to sue the Austrian government for the ownership of the painting.
Walking into the theatre, most viewers probably prepared themselves for 90 minutes of a semi-bland plot of historical significance, trying not to nod off at the height of the film. But surprisingly, “Woman In Gold” invigorates the audience with intense dialogue, eye-opening historical sequences and yet multiple instances of light humor to balance the film.
Mirren was captivating as usual, and sold her character in a sincere, almost candid way. The seasoned actress established herself long ago as someone who can embody a historical character with elegance and grace, such as in her films “The Queen” and “Hitchcock.”
Additionally, Reynolds role as Schoenberg may have been his most powerful performance yet, depicting a more sensitive and flawed character than he typically takes on. He was not the stereotypical heartthrob, and even his appearance was altered slightly to make him less attractive.
Undoubtedly, the biggest surprise in the cast was the appearance of Katie Holmes as Schoenberg’s wife Pam. Her performance was somewhat insignificant and was probably the only mediocre presence in an otherwise great show of acting.
“Woman In Gold” was an overwhelmingly successful portrayal of two genuinely interesting characters in a vast sea of tragic or uplifting stories surrounding the second World War.
Though the plot may force viewers to pay attention and learn, this film is culturally beneficial for anyone in modern time interested in exploring the past.