The Tourist, often unfairly dismissed, can be a rewarding cinematic experience if approached with the right expectations. This guide offers a curated path to appreciate the film’s unique blend of escapism, visual spectacle, and old-Hollywood charm, allowing you to bypass the common criticisms and embrace its inherent pleasures.
Understanding The Tourist: Context is Key
Before pressing play, it’s vital to understand The Tourist isn’t a gritty, realistic spy thriller. It’s a stylized romantic thriller, a throwback to the glamorous, star-studded vehicles of a bygone era. Think Hitchcock with a contemporary sheen and a healthy dose of eye-rolling plot contrivances. The film leans heavily on its star power, breathtaking Venetian scenery, and a deliberately heightened sense of unreality. Accepting this framework is the first step to enjoying the ride.
Instead of focusing on plot holes or character inconsistencies, appreciate the film as a visual feast, a celebration of elegance, and a playful dance between two charismatic leads. Let yourself be swept away by the opulent settings, the elegant costumes, and the sheer absurdity of the situation. Approach it with a spirit of playful indulgence, and you’ll find The Tourist far more enjoyable than its critical reception might suggest.
Preparing for Your Viewing Experience
Setting the Scene
Create an atmosphere conducive to enjoyment. This isn’t a film for a crowded room or a distracting environment. Dim the lights, perhaps pour yourself a glass of Italian wine, and settle in. Think of it as a mini-vacation to Venice, a temporary escape from the mundane.
Managing Expectations
As mentioned earlier, avoid expecting a complex, intellectually stimulating narrative. The Tourist prioritizes style over substance. It’s a visual spectacle designed to entertain, not to challenge. Think of it as a cinematic dessert – sweet, perhaps a little artificial, but ultimately satisfying if consumed in moderation.
Appreciating the Performances
Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp are the main draw. Appreciate their on-screen chemistry and their commitment to the roles, even if the roles themselves aren’t particularly demanding. Depp, in particular, delivers a nuanced performance, subtly hinting at his character’s true identity throughout the film. Jolie exudes an undeniable aura of mystery and sophistication, perfectly embodying the femme fatale archetype.
Focus on the Visuals and the Ambiance
Venice as a Character
Venice is more than just a backdrop; it’s a central character in the film. The filmmakers brilliantly utilize the city’s unique canals, bridges, and architecture to create a sense of mystery, intrigue, and romanticism. Pay attention to the stunning visuals, the atmospheric lighting, and the evocative sound design.
Costume Design and Aesthetics
The costumes are meticulously crafted and play a crucial role in establishing the film’s tone. Jolie’s wardrobe is particularly noteworthy, featuring elegant gowns, sophisticated accessories, and a timeless sense of style. Appreciate the attention to detail in every aspect of the film’s visual presentation.
Music and Sound Design
The score, composed by James Newton Howard, perfectly complements the film’s mood, shifting from romantic and whimsical to tense and suspenseful. The sound design is equally effective, immersing the viewer in the sights and sounds of Venice.
Embracing the Absurdity
Suspending Disbelief
The Tourist requires a significant suspension of disbelief. Plot holes are abundant, character motivations are often unclear, and the overall logic of the story is frequently questionable. However, if you can accept these flaws and embrace the film’s inherent absurdity, you’ll find it much more enjoyable.
Finding the Humor
There are moments of subtle humor sprinkled throughout the film, often delivered through Depp’s understated performance. Look for these moments and allow yourself to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
Accepting the Escapism
Ultimately, The Tourist is an exercise in escapism. It’s a chance to escape from reality and immerse yourself in a world of glamour, intrigue, and romantic adventure. Allow yourself to be transported to Venice and enjoy the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching The Tourist
Q1: Why is The Tourist so critically panned?
A1: The Tourist received largely negative reviews due to perceived plot holes, implausible scenarios, and a lack of depth. Critics often felt the film prioritized style over substance and failed to deliver a genuinely compelling thriller. The casting also drew criticism, with some arguing that Depp and Jolie lacked on-screen chemistry.
Q2: Is The Tourist based on a book?
A2: No, The Tourist is a remake of the 2005 French film Anthony Zimmer. The plot and many of the key scenes are directly adapted from the original French film.
Q3: What’s the real twist at the end of The Tourist?
A3: The twist is that Frank Tupelo (Johnny Depp) is actually Alexander Pearce, the elusive financial criminal being hunted by Interpol and the British government. He underwent extensive plastic surgery to change his appearance and has been living a low-profile life as a math teacher.
Q4: Who is Elise Clifton-Ward and what is her connection to Alexander Pearce?
A4: Elise Clifton-Ward (Angelina Jolie) is Alexander Pearce’s lover and accomplice. She is working undercover to lure him out of hiding, but she genuinely cares for him and is conflicted about her role in the elaborate scheme.
Q5: Where was The Tourist filmed besides Venice?
A5: While the majority of the film was shot in Venice, Italy, some scenes were also filmed in Paris, France, particularly around the Louvre Museum.
Q6: Is there any hidden symbolism in The Tourist?
A6: While not explicitly overt, some viewers interpret the recurring imagery of masks and disguises as symbolic of the characters’ hidden identities and the deceptive nature of their relationships. The elaborate sets and costumes can also be seen as representing the artificiality of the world they inhabit.
Q7: How does The Tourist compare to the French film Anthony Zimmer?
A7: Anthony Zimmer is generally considered a more tightly plotted and suspenseful thriller. While The Tourist boasts a higher budget and star power, it often sacrifices narrative coherence in favor of visual spectacle. Many critics and viewers prefer the more understated and character-driven approach of the original.
Q8: What should I look for to appreciate Johnny Depp’s performance in The Tourist?
A8: Pay attention to Depp’s subtle shifts in demeanor and body language. He gradually reveals his true identity through small, almost imperceptible clues. His performance is less about grand gestures and more about nuanced details that hint at his character’s true capabilities.
Q9: Is The Tourist a comedy?
A9: The Tourist isn’t a straightforward comedy, but it does incorporate elements of humor, particularly through Depp’s character’s reactions to the increasingly absurd situations he finds himself in. It’s more of a comedic thriller, leaning towards lightheartedness rather than dark satire.
Q10: Is The Tourist worth watching for the scenery alone?
A10: Absolutely. The film is a visual feast, showcasing the beauty and romance of Venice in stunning detail. Even if you’re not invested in the plot, the breathtaking scenery makes it a worthwhile watch.
Q11: Why did Angelina Jolie agree to be in The Tourist?
A11: Reports suggest Jolie was drawn to the opportunity to play a glamorous and sophisticated character in a visually stunning setting. The film also offered her a chance to work with Johnny Depp, a fellow A-list star.
Q12: Does The Tourist have a sequel or spin-off planned?
A12: As of today, there are no confirmed plans for a sequel or spin-off. Despite its box office success, the negative critical reception likely deterred further development.
By approaching The Tourist with the right mindset and focusing on its strengths – its visual splendor, star power, and escapist appeal – you can unlock a surprisingly enjoyable cinematic experience. Forget the critics, embrace the absurdity, and allow yourself to be swept away to the canals of Venice. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy the journey.