This is one of those movies that should work and almost does. The cast is good, it's generally the sort of thing I should really like, but it all just feels a little too artificial. Yes, movies like this are inherently artificial, but sometimes the writer and director's sincerity makes it feel real. Here, you can see all the seams showing in the fabric; the movie has the contrived sense of a film with a very specific series of talking points it wants to present. There are occasional moments of insight and sparks of imagination, but for the most part there is a real been there done that quality to the whole thing. A decent enough movie, but nothing special.
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cherold22 June 2006
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planktonrules12 March 2006This 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. -
xredgarnetx9 February 2008Jessica Tandy and Bridget Fonda costar as two alike souls who embark on a quirky road trip in CAMILLA. Camilla is Tandy's name in the movie, and unfortunately this was the great actress' last film. She looks terrific for a woman her age, and effortlessly steals every scene she's in. Fonda plays a footloose musician paired up with a Canadian guy (Elias Koteas) who ends up going off with a soft-porn filmmaker on business, leaving Fonda in Georgia with the guy's mom (Tandy), who is slightly addled and evidently was a famous violin player in her time. The gals decide to take a ride to see a Brahms concert in Toronto, but quickly lose their car and have a series of silly adventures along the way, including running into to car thief and all-around nut job Graham Greene. Meanwhile, Camilla's son (Maury Chaykin) becomes convinced his mom has been kidnapped. All ends well, with a surprise appearance by Tandy's real-life husband Hume Cronyn playing an old flame. The last shot shows Tandy playing the violin on the beach. A pleasant little movie, even if it is a chick flick.
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TxMike15 March 2003This was Jessica Tandy's last movie, and even as an 80-something was lovely and sexy enough to do a nude skinny-dipping scene in the Atlantic off Georgia. Her foil was played by Bridget Fonda, and the main of the story is the two of them taking off to go back to Toronto to hear a Brahms violin concerto while Tandy's son and Fonda's husband are out of town on business. A highlight was a scene near the end when Camilla met up with her old boyfriend, played by her real husband, Hume Cronyn, and there is something very special seeing two actors who have been married for over 50 years do a romantic scene.
Critic Ebert has a fairly accurate review, but I believe is overly harsh in his analysis of it being too contrived. The film was meant to be funny, with Camilla making up these grand stories and her flustered son trying to find out where she had run off to. All she wanted was to get back to her old Russian boyfriend. I would recommned this film to anyone who likes a "character" film. It felt more like they were allowing us, the audience, to enter in and become a part of their lives. -
smatysia6 March 2021Excellent acting by Jessica Tandy and Bridget Fonda in the leads. Supporting cast was also good. A couple of them flirted with the line of becoming cartoonish, but backed away in time. It had some plot issues, and was a bit slow at times, but overall, I found it sweet and charming.
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schreeu7 October 2006I just started watching this movie, and so far, so good! we'll see if it hold my attention.. I think I've gotta see Jess in her last film though. a true icon! She had an appeal that we don't see often in films these days. Bridgette Fonda seems to be comfortable, yet so young in this role. I think that may be what is causing discomfort in some as wee watch. She seemed so young in comparison to "Single White Female"..Perhaps that's why she wasn't able to sell the role to everyone. A little too cutesy perhaps .. I agree, though..It's fun to watch a movie that you have no clue about! I have never heard of this movie, but, it's a good middle of the night flick! A little slow-moving perhaps, but, I think I can deal.. Hey!! A great weekend flick! A date flick? Definitely..
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SnoopyStyle29 December 2013Freda 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. -
ruthierocks28 November 2008Camilla is an adorable road film, combining a perfect mixture of drama, romance, and some comedy thrown in for good measure. It's a surprise for me to see so few reviews on this lovely little film. The film is about people, their relationships, and their passions. It's a fascinating character study of a young couple and an elderly woman who all need a little bit of a vacation from life.
Bridget Fonda plays Freda Lopez, a young, married woman who dreams of musical stardom. She plays guitar and sings, but she's had to put this passion on the back burner in order to support her husband Vince (Elias Koteas). The two of them have just moved south and into a small house next to an old woman named Camilla (Jessica Tandy, in one of her last roles). Camilla is also a musician she used to play violin and, according to her stories, was quite famous on tour. Freda immediately connects with Camilla and begins to spend time getting to know and talking to the woman. At the same time, her husband is spending time with Camilla's son Harold (Maury Chaykin), who swears that his mother is senile and needs to be put into a home. When Vince announces that he's going to Canada for a work related trip that he's received thanks to Harold, Freda refuses to go with him. This causes a fight between the couple. Vince and Harold go alone. With the men gone, Freda and Camilla decide to take a little trip of their own. They head to Canada to see a violin concerto. When the men get back, they must follow their hearts to find the women.
The acting is superb here. I've always liked Bridget Fonda and I wish she would get back on the screen. She is simply adorable here. Freda is a good character: she's strong willed, knows what she believes in, but has a little self discovering to do. Bridget Fonda is excellent in this role. I couldn't imagine anyone else doing a better job. Elias Koteas, who is always wonderful, is equally good as her husband. He's not given a lot to do here, but he plays it the best he can given the material. As Camilla's son, Maury Chaykin is very effective. He embodies the angry Harold perfectly. The real standout here, though, is Jessica Tandy. It's easy to see that, even as an old woman, she was confident enough in herself to play this role as if she were young even doing a nude scene! Camilla is a great character she's funny, sweet, and extremely sharp for her age. Jessica Tandy is perfect here.
The film is a little predictable, but it's still very sweet. It provides several laughs and shows a realistic relationship between an elderly woman and a younger, more composed version of herself. It's a story about life, love, and how we as humans sometimes have the wrong priorities in life. Camilla is an easy film to watch a nice, light film that can easily entertain and lift a person's spirits. With good acting, a sweet story, and a nice message, Camilla is an underrated gem of a film that should be appreciated more than it is.
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Vertigo-2714 June 1999A 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! -
bellmom71812 October 2006I loved movie. I have placed it with my favorites. I will compare the splendor of this movie with another one of my favorites, My House In Umbria starring Miss Maggie Smith. Jessica's performance, as always gives a touch only she can accomplish. Miss Fonda gives a good performance. Had this movie been on a larger budget i would have chosen someone else to play her role. I noticed that the coat check woman has same last name as Hume Cronyn. All in all, the story was uplifting and a definite re-watch for a rainy day, which is exactly what today is. I love when I've accidentally stumbled upon a movie that turns out out be so worthy you want to see it again. For those who enjoyed this, please make an effort to see My House In Umbria.
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bms.beck8 November 1999Noteworthy in the first place because of Jessica Tandy, a great actress. Because her acting is great also in this film, she looks so young and lively at 85, because it is her last film. But noteworthy also because of the rest of the cast, all of them credible and well-played. And certainly also noteworthy because of the script. It moves so effortlessly from light to heavy, from drama, to adventure, to comedy, and so equally effortlessly weaves in small subplots and sidelines. The writers really should have gotten top notch assignments after this great performance. Sad to see they didn't really. Also soundtrack fits very nicely (esp. the Brahms).
I saw the film on TV in Romania, on a channel usually aimed at the housewives taste. The film deserves much better than that. -
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.