Film: The City of Your Final Destination
Cast includes: Anthony Hopkins (The World’s Fastest Indian), Omar Metwally (Munich), Laura Linney (The Truman Show), Charlotte Gainsbourg (21 Grams), Hiroyuki Sanada (Rush Hour 3), Alexandra Maria Lara (I Really Hate My Job)
Director: James Ivory (The Remains of the Day)
Genre: Drama, based on a novel by Peter Cameron; parts in Spanish with subtitles (2008)
In brief:Judging by the stamp on the envelope, Omar must know someone in Uruguay. But it’s not to be… the trustees of Jules Gund’s estate have denied permission for Omar to write an authorized biography of him. Omar’s girlfriend, Deirdre, is incensed. The only course of action is for Omar to go to Uruguay and change their minds. And by the way… she’s coming, too. We sense that Omar isn’t used to saying “no” to Deirdre. He says, “yes” to the Uruguay trip but “no” to Deirdre’s coming. Deirdre is beautiful, but yikes… she’s demanding!
When Omar shows up unannounced at the Gund compound at Ocho Rios, he’s told that it’s hopeless to try to change their minds. But he’s welcome to stay over. After all, there’s no other place to stay. Having a guest might prove to be interesting. “How often do we have a guest… even an uninvited guest?” Ocho Rios is beautiful but very remote. Gradually, we get to know the various family members. Adam is Jules’s brother. Pete is Adam’s lover. Caroline is Jules’s widow. Arden was one of Jules’s mistresses. Porsche is Arden and Jules’s daughter. So naturally, there’s some concern that a biography of the late Jules could expose some aspects of his life they’d rather not have exposed. But as it turns out, they’re not exactly a united front. While Caroline has made her decision once and for all, Adam and Arden just might not be on the same page. The only thing we’re sure of is that there’s no rush to get Omar to leave. Life at Ocho Rios is genteel and pleasant… there’s certainly no reason for Omar to run home to Deirdre.
In the tradition of Merchant Ivory films, this one is a lush and enjoyable place to be. It’s set in modern day, but it feels like a period drama because the modern world has hardly touched Ocho Rios. It’s not a fast-moving plot, but it’s such a pleasant place to be that we’re not really in a hurry. As Omar gets to know the Gund family, we gradually learn what ties them all together. The question is… when fate deals you a hand, are you going to play that hand… or is it possible to reset your fate?
3 popped kernels
Popped kernels for taking us to an interesting place. Beautiful scenery, excellent acting.
