Camilla (1994)

Fantastic!

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Freda Lopez (Bridget Fonda) is a musician who wants to front her own band. Her husband Vincent (Elias Koteas) belittles her dream more as a hobby. While on vacation, they meet Camilla (Jessica Tandy) and her son Harold (Maury Chaykin). Freda is immediately fascinated with former concert violinist Camilla. Vincent gets a chance at work, and decides to leave along with Harold. He and Freda have a fight, and she stays despite of Vincent. After some reminiscence from Camilla, Freda suggests that she and Camilla return to Toronto's Winter Garden Theatre to attend a concert. The men return to find the women gone, and must come to terms with their relationships.This is a rather slow moving movie. It's a road trip, but unlike 'Thelma & Louise', they don't blow anything up or shot anybody. I do have to warn the more squeamish that the ladies do get naked. It's a road movie of self discovery and reliving old memories. What truly stands out is the absolute brightness of Jessica Tandy. She doesn't miss a beat. She illuminates the screen. This is one of her last movies, and she commands it like the legend she is. Her longtime husband Hume Cronyn also shines in the latter part of the movie. If you're a fan of their work, it's a movie you should search out. Otherwise, it's a little too slow moving for me.

A little slow moving perhaps (even though it's a small film) but for me 'Camilla' was worth the watch for Jessica Tandy who delivers a beautiful final performance. Deepa Mehta's execution is quite alright though perhaps she would have benefited more with more finance. She does use a lot of detailed references, for instance a painting of artist Frida Kahlo at Frida's apartment (hinting on the association between both women). I liked how Tandy's character was introduced and how Fonda's Freda is both intrigued and amused by this enigmatic but lovely older lady and eventually they head on a journey searching for the same thing, that thing which everyone searches. The scenes between Fonda and Tandy are both fun and moving to watch. Fonda holds her own. The score is gentle and of course Brahm's piece is almost always a good listen. Overall, for me it was a good enough watch for a quiet tired evening.

This is a rather silly, inconsistent and unconvincing piece of fluff. And yet, despite this, it is still very watchable and interesting.The plot, is quite convoluted and ever-changing. In fact, it's really secondary at best in the film. Because of this, I really want to explore the acting and writing and direction. This was Jessica Tandy's last film and she shows amazing vigor for a woman in the last months of her life. Her character is silly, but she infuses it with a lot of sentimentality and charm--and you can't help but like her. I also like her son as well as some of the VERY quirky characters you meet along the way. Graham Greene is perhaps the most charming car thief and nut-case, and the Indian-born small town sheriff is really pretty funny (though difficult to believe in rural Georgia). As for Bridget Fonda, she is okay in the film, but is clearly upstaged by Tandy.The journey, as handled by director Mehta, is slow and gorgeously framed. I have loved all the other movies I've so far seen from this director and look forward to seeing more. Even when the material is weak, her skill is quite evident.By the way, as I mentioned, the plot is a silly and muddled thing. Early in the film, Fonda says she no longer eats beef as she feels sorry for the poor cows and Tandy states that she NEVER eats meat. Later, they are sitting in a restaurant chowing down on cheeseburgers--sloppy touches like this are unforgivable for the writers.

A gem of a movie! Jessica Tandy's Last screen credit, is yet another winning performance. Sweet and pleasant movie, never awarded the attention it deserved, however somehow to the average viewer it is not that memorable.Dealing with just a so-so story-line that is very soft and mellow. It won't be hard to like this movie, if you can acually find it at the video store. Tandy and Fonda work well together, but watch this one for Tandy's sake, she is a film legend, and deserves this one on us!