The Film
The lack of originality in The Tourist isn't just because it is a remake of the french film Anthony Zimmer but because this style tale of misdirection has been told so often in recent years, and often in similar semi-exotic venues such as Paris and Venice, which are featured in this film. In fact, it wasn't so long ago that we had another "exciting" entry in the genre with Angelina Jolie (Salt). But this new film, which stars Jolie yet again as a mysterious woman and Johnny Depp as a seemingly mild mannered tourist, offers near game-changing plot twists that suddenly make everything seen previously in the film almost impossible to believe.
Jolie's character tries to lead the authorities, including Paul Bettany's predictably dedicated law enforcement archetype, along with a crew of sinister Russian gangsters, on a wild goose chase as she attempts to reconnect with her lover. The lover is on the run after stealing an unimaginable amount of cash from a stereotypical movie villain. Depp plays the part of a seemingly random man on a train who falls for Jolie's character and himself becomes a "person of interest."
For nearly two hours we are "treated" to this convoluted little cat and mouse game-- one that fails to establish any real connection between the audience and the lead characters. In the end, while the film-makers may think they're springing an "all is not as it seems" twist on the audience, any viewer who has been to the movies in the last 50 years will probably see the ending coming from a mile away.
For another take on the film, see Jim Dooley's review of The Tourist.
The Picture
Viewers may feel like tourists in the picturesque cities of Paris and Venice, the two main backdrops to this film. The gorgeous 2.40:1 1080p presentation practically immerses you in these romantic locales -- you'll feel as if you're strolling along the Grand Canal or sitting in a cafe in Monmartre. However, that enhanced detail also reveals that many scenes were filmed on studio sets, as the water is far too blue and clear at times - something the real Venice waterways lack. The colors are true and nicely saturated as well. Visually this film is a treat for the eyes.
The Sound
While there are a few moments of real "action," much of this film centers around dialog so there is little to thrill the audience from an audio perspective. The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack presents the dialog with crystal clarity and does a nice job providing discrete multi-channel audio in those few action scenes. In one you can hear the movement of the water and the tension on the rope (even if there is little real tension in the acting or story). One complaint I have with the audio is that the musical score tends to be a little heavy and actually heavy handed. The score from James Newton Howard has a generic quality to it that actually has cues as predictable as the story.
The Extras
As odd as this may sound, the bonus features almost make up for the lackluster feature, with interesting featurettes for the DVD and Blu-ray on the "Gala Affair" and "Bringing Glamour Back," each of which shows how The Tourist is a homage to past cat-and-mouse style thrillers. The director's commentary is worth a listen, while the Blu-ray exclusive featurettes "Action in Venice," "Canal Chats," and "Tourist Destination Travel the Canals of Venice," discuss some interesting aspects of shooting in Venice as well information about the canals themselves. Those who have visited the city may relate more than those who only know it from the movies.
In addition there is an outtake reel, as well as the movieIQ+sync feature, but the real bonus is the delightful Alternate Animated Title Sequence, which is reminiscent of the sequence used in the movie Catch Me If You Can. It may, in fact, be better than anything in the actual film.
Final Thoughts
If you've been to Paris and/or Venice, this film may make you reminisce about your past travels as a tourist, and if not it make pique your interest to go. Otherwise, this one seems like just another action caper that has little action, not much of a caper, little chemistry between the stars and enough plot twists for two more Jolie films.
Product Details
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