The Age of Adaline – a movie review by Roz Tarszisz
When can a romantic drama also be classed as science fiction? If the whole premise hinges on scientific flim-flam, that’s when.
After she is struck by lightning following a near death experience, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) remains 29 years old for almost 80 years. Rather her than me, although she does own a great wardrobe.
The concept of a person never ageing is not a new one and director Director Lee Toland Krieger (The Vicious Kind, Celeste) has deliberately filmed in an old–fashioned style, using a narrator, which does suit the story.
Over the passage of the 20th century, Adaline leads a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. She dreads being found out, moving and changing her persona every decade. It helps that she has access to plenty of money –did I mention the fabulous evening wear?
It is poignant when her daughter Flemming (Ellen Burstyn) quietly greets her in a restaurant as “Mama”. Flemming,in her eighties, is considering moving into a retirement village. It is bit weird, but sweet.
When Adaline encounters the charming and energetic Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) he works hard to get her to drop her guard and let him into her life.
A weekend at his parents’ houses threatens to uncover the truth, and she has to decide whether to keep running forever or take a chance. William (Harrison Ford) and Kathy (Kathy Baker) play Ellis’ parents.
There is an amusing scene when she proves to be an absolute whizz at Trivial Pursuit with a vast and encyclopaedic knowledge of obscure facts.
The beautiful Adaline always behaves and dresses like a lady. She has impeccable manners and while Lively plays her in tune with the particular period in which she is living, she always speaks in carefully modulated tones – perfect for someone who has to hold herself aloof.
“Tell me something I can hold onto forever and never let go” she says to Ellis.
The period costumes by Academy Award Australian designer Angus Strathie, (Moulin Rouge) are wonderful and the film looks good. Huisman makes a delightful leading man.
It’s one for romantics or a night out with the girls.
3/5 Rated M 110 mins Out now
Starring Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Baker
Directed by Lee Toland Krieger
Screenplay by J.Mills Goodloe and Salvador Paskowitz
