Rowing with the Wind

Rowing with the Wind, released in 1988, is an intriguing and enigmatic film directed by Gonzalo Suárez. The movie stars Hugh Grant, Lizzy McInnerny, and Valentine Pelka in the primary role, and the plot focuses on the famous English Romantic poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The movie opens with an impressive introductory scene shot, where a carriage is running on the dusty roads of southern France. It is 1816, and Lord Byron (Hugh Grant) is traveling with his note taker, Fletcher (Valentine Pelka), to visit Percy Shelley (played by the talented actor, Julian Sands). Both poets are facing creative blockades in their writings, and they are hoping to rekindle their muses in the tranquil ambiance of Shelley's villa in Switzerland.

Upon arriving, the group is introduced to Claire Clairmont (played by newbie to the film industry, Lizzy McInnerny), Mary Shelley's stepsister. Soon, the arrangements are made for a serene and isolated stay. The beautiful property, located on a serene lakeside, fascinates Byron, who begins working on his poetic masterpiece, "Manfred." Meanwhile, Shelley continues to work on his writings and creates the script for his celebrated book, "Frankenstein."

The movie then takes a turn when Byron introduces a new twist to the vacation. He persuades the group to engage in a seance held by a spiritualist in the area, Madame Concadori (Elizabeth Hurley). The atmosphere of the villa becomes somewhat eerie as lurid ghost stories and visions begin to disturb the group's peace. Great tension and fear start taking hold of everyone, which leads to the unearthing of dark secrets of each character. Each question arises as to what is indeed a ghost and what is not, making the viewer feel like they are watching a psychological thriller.

Gonzalo Suárez has done an excellent job of capturing the dark side of Romanticism through his direction in the film. The setting of the villa is both stunningly beautiful and overwhelmingly eerie, adding to the gothic and macabre atmosphere of the film.

The costumes, art direction, and cinematography by Jacques Loiseleux are also commendable. They do an excellent job of capturing the era's essence and taking the viewer back to the 19th century. The portrayal of the fashion of Romanticism is incredibly accurate, with the long flowing dresses and men's classic coats making the movie visually appealing.

The strong performances of the cast are the highlight of the film. Hugh Grant, as usual, delivers an impressive performance. His portrayal of Byron, with his quill, reputation, and controversies, is flawless. Julian Sands does an excellent job in his role as Shelley, which might be the best of his career. The young Lizzy McInnerny does an incredible job portraying Claire Clairmont, the character that brings the whole movie together. Her performance is noteworthy, considering that this was her debut appearance on film.

The script, which was penned by Suárez himself, is engaging, subtle, and multi-layered. The dialogues are poetic, complex, and suitably philosophical. The film takes an intelligent approach towards the subject, which was a distant departure from the regular slasher films of the 80s.

Overall, Rowing with the Wind is an engaging and thought-provoking movie, perfect for those who appreciate the dark side of literature and Romanticism. The movie's soundtrack by Jose Nieto further adds to the gripping story, making it an unforgettable experience. The film serves as a fascinating depiction of the lives of the English Romantic poets and their creative struggles. If you're looking for an intellectually stimulating and captivating film, Rowing with the Wind is the perfect film to watch.