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Director Florian Henkel von Donnersmack is never in complete control of the narrative of The Tourist With Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie heading the cast, one can’t be blamed for expecting high-voltage drama in The Tourist but alas all that is largely absent and apart from rare flashes, it is the romantic ambience of touristy Venice, its waterways, gondolas (add rooftops) and cobbled streets that are most enduring. So when attractive
Elise Ward (Jolie) receives a letter from her absconding lover
Alexander Pierce, a high-class thief, wanted for a seven-million
dollar heist, she hops on a Venice-bound train and runs into Frank
Tupelo (Depp), an almost anybody-looking American teacher, the magic
word is love. More love than magic.
Will he become the fall guy is the question uppermost in most minds? With his bulbous blue head and some witty one-liners, he makes an impressive entry but that does not convert into a good narrative. The plot is weak, the middle unusually arid and the chemistry between the lovers conspicuous by its absence. May be all these touristy films began with ‘If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium’ a couple of decades ago. Today they are much more frequent but they lack a good amalgam of story and visuals. The Tourist is no exception. The chase on rooftops to balconies and streets could be considered a highlight in the absence of more credible action. But director Florian Henkel von Donnersmack is never in complete control of the narrative and though John Seales camerawork contribute to the visually beauty, it is the content that is sadly missing. Johnny Depp, with his swashbuckling Caribbean pirate near-persona, is able to fit in the role with the ease of a versatile artiste while Angelina Jolie (will never forget her fantastic debut in Girl Interrupted) has little else to do than sport her mannequin-like looks and keep wandering between wonder and dismay. But as in Mr and Mrs Smith, it only proves that two big names do not make a good film.
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