I cannot say anything about the truth regarding the real location of this tender story of how city life has changed for some. What I see is one person's point of view in how this story was told and can only judge by what I see on screen. I was taken in immediately by the magnificent Ellen Burstyn's performance as the now broke tobacco heiress whose father once knew Doris Duke's father, the tobacco king of the first part of the 20th Century. Having reviewed the TV movie "Too Rich: The Doris Duke Story" and watched it several times since, this gave me an insight to the tobacco industry I only recall from one other film-"Bright Leaf", which I also have reviewed.
The story of how community in her town has changed in Burstyn's lifetime is a metaphor of what the aging must see in this age of constant advancement in technology, changes in the way people communicate, and the break-up of the family unit. There is a sadness in all of these character's eyes, even though they are basically all nice people. When Burstyn explains her family history to the Mexican guard at the warehouse she owns and has leased to Colin Firth, I could see why he couldn't help but be interested. She is the walking proof of the existence of a simpler life when a beautiful day in the country could lead to a family picnic in the woods, a concert in the local park, and the simple gathering of townsfolk celebrating America. The sadness is as equal in niece Patricia Clarkson's eyes as she realizes what she's lost early on in her life. The presence of Nuclear Waste in her Aunt's warehouse is simply the fly in the ointment of their lives.
There really isn't a lot of plot here. In fact, it could be called a modern day "The Mad Woman of Chailot", the French play about an eccentric countess who battles the government over oil under Paris. But not every movie or play or TV show needs to throw its story in your face like a parking ticket. But it is an exercise in looking at today's world and the antipathy towards society that keeps growing. I highly recommend it for the wonderful performances, its subtle nature and gentility, and especially for the fact that it simply makes you think.
On a casting note, it was nice to see Broadway veterans Victoria Clark, Tom Wopat and Margo Martindale in small roles.
The story of how community in her town has changed in Burstyn's lifetime is a metaphor of what the aging must see in this age of constant advancement in technology, changes in the way people communicate, and the break-up of the family unit. There is a sadness in all of these character's eyes, even though they are basically all nice people. When Burstyn explains her family history to the Mexican guard at the warehouse she owns and has leased to Colin Firth, I could see why he couldn't help but be interested. She is the walking proof of the existence of a simpler life when a beautiful day in the country could lead to a family picnic in the woods, a concert in the local park, and the simple gathering of townsfolk celebrating America. The sadness is as equal in niece Patricia Clarkson's eyes as she realizes what she's lost early on in her life. The presence of Nuclear Waste in her Aunt's warehouse is simply the fly in the ointment of their lives.
There really isn't a lot of plot here. In fact, it could be called a modern day "The Mad Woman of Chailot", the French play about an eccentric countess who battles the government over oil under Paris. But not every movie or play or TV show needs to throw its story in your face like a parking ticket. But it is an exercise in looking at today's world and the antipathy towards society that keeps growing. I highly recommend it for the wonderful performances, its subtle nature and gentility, and especially for the fact that it simply makes you think.
On a casting note, it was nice to see Broadway veterans Victoria Clark, Tom Wopat and Margo Martindale in small roles.