Room with a View

Set in the captivating landscapes of Italy and England during the Edwardian era, "Room with a View" is a brilliantly performed romantic period drama directed by James Ivory. Written for the screen by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and based on the novel of the same name by E.M. Forster, the 1985 movie transcends the world of literature to create a spellbinding cinematic experience.

The crux of the story revolves around Lucy Honeychurch, a young woman from a conservative, well-off English family, portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter in one of her first major screen roles. Carter’s youthful vigor and innocent charm bring a refreshing nuance to the character, setting the stage for her subsequent acting exploits.

Travelling with her spinster cousin Charlotte Bartlett, portrayed by the veteran Maggie Smith, Lucy embarks on an adventure in Florence. Charlotte, as Lucy's chaperone, has a critical role in setting the tonality of the film - her high-strung and conventional demeanor provides a stark contrast against which Lucy's own transformation can unfold. She shields Lucy from anything she deems inappropriate, never failing to remind her of the manners and decorum expected from a lady of their class and time.

On their journey, they meet a free-spirited and passionate Englishman George Emerson and his father, enacted by Julian Sands and Denholm Elliott respectively. Elliott gives a striking performance as the kindly but eccentric elder Emerson, challenging societal norms and acting as a catalyst for Lucy’s eventual rebelliousness. He boldly questions the stringent, buttoned-up norms of Edwardian society and encourages Lucy to do the same. His son, George, is the object of Lucy’s affection for most of the film.

Their passionate, chance kiss in the lush Italian countryside creates a scandal that Charlotte quickly stifles. However, the incident cements George’s significance in Lucy’s heart, despite her subsequent engagement to an arrogant and self-absorbed, yet socially suitable suitor, Cecil Vyse. Daniel Day-Lewis, in an early career role, plays Cecil to near perfection. His portrayal of the pompous gentlemen, a practice in subtlety and comic aloofness, adds a light-hearted yet dramatic backdrop to Lucy's emotional turmoil.

"Room with a View" is not just a romantic drama but also a social commentary, depicting a battle against societal constraints and class differences. It reflects E.M. Forster’s conflicted point of view concerning the freedom of love in the stifling boundaries of Edwardian class structure. This facet is expertly woven into the storyline by director James Ivory and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala.

The film is wonderfully decorated with an array of supporting characters, each adding their own grace notes to the overall atmosphere and plot. From the intellectually inclined Reverend Beebe played by Simon Callow to the idealistic and romantic novelist Eleanor Lavish, enacted by Judi Dench, the narrative is rich in character and style.

The film also boasts impressive art direction and cinematography, transporting the audience to the scenic locales of Florence and the serene domains of England. The commendable work by Tony Pierce-Roberts allows the visuals to communicate the emotions, dreams, and desires of the characters even before words come into play. Every scene carries an artistic touch, and each frame is a painting in itself - making the movie as much an aesthetic treat as it is a narrative one.

The central musical score by Richard Robbins, interspersed with Italian opera and classical pieces, adds to the overall lushness and elegance that makes "Room With A View" a masterpiece. The composed score is as expressive and resplendent as the narrative itself, enhancing the mood of the film and driving the story forward.

All in all, "Room with a View" stands as a swell picture of Edwardian society, intertwined with a tender tale of self-awareness and love. It effortlessly merges breathtaking aesthetics, a stirring soundtrack, and engaging performances to deliver a lasting cinematic experience. The movie, at its core, questions societal constraints and advocates individuality and personal freedom — a theme that resonates even after more than three decades of its release.