Charlize Theron once again lights up the screen in Head in the Clouds,
an epic love story set against the backdrop of Europe before and during World War II. Theron
plays Gilda, a wealthy half-French, half-American socialite who stumbles into the life of
working class Irishman Guy (Stuart Townsend). Guy is irresistibly drawn to
Gilda and eventually finds himself living in Paris with her and Mia (Penélope
Cruz), a Spanish woman who has come to Paris to learn nursing. But when civil war
erupts in Spain, Guy and Mia feel compelled to join the resistance while Gilda stays in Paris,
forever altering their friendships and the course of their lives.
Clouds is written and directed by John Duigan, an Englishman who had
always had a fascination with this time period. He does a good job recreating the streets
of Paris (using the streets of Montreal instead) except for a few very obvious matte paintings
used as backdrops. The cinematography is also well done, with many scenes beautifully framed
and lit like Degas paintings. The plot revolves around the character of Gilda, and Theron
is up to the task; she shines in every scene. Cruz and Townsend are also good, and the chemistry
between real-life couple Theron and Townsend is electric. Overall, though the film feels
long and drags a bit at times, Clouds and its themes of love, loyalty, and fate
will stay in your head well after the final credits role.
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