DVD Review: Two For The Road (1966)
Clever film-making a 60s fashion watcher's dream - but I still can't get too excited about Two For The Road.
Maybe that's being a little harsh, perhaps I just expected more from a film starring Audrey Hepburn and Albery Finney as an architect and wife, looking back at their life together and their failing marriage at the height of the 60s. Or maybe I'm just missing something?
It kicks off with the affluent couple waiting for a plane, reflecting on the lack of passion in their relationship - and wondering where it all went wrong. Which sets off a never-ending series of almost random flashbacks covering the time they met, the good times, the bad times and the time they spent together on the road in Europe, both alone and in the company of friends - all highlighting where the cracks started to appear.
In the main, it's a typically light-hearted comedy/drama of the era - no 'laugh out loud' moments, but plenty to smile about. And it's also very easy on the eye - the European scenery is bright and bold, while Hepburn is at her peak, stunningly attractive and for fans of 60s fashion, wearing a never-ending succession of outfits from the era's sought-after designers.
Ok, that's the good bit now here's the downside(s). All that scene jumping is just a little confusing, done more for artistic effect than for the benefit of storytelling. And despite being in their company for the best part of 100 minutes, neither of the lead characters comes across as particularly likeable. You just don't care if their marriage survives or fails at the end of the day.
So not great, but not bad either. You can pick it up for around a fiver on DVD, which is about right. And if you're a student of vintage fashion, it's certainly a value for money reference guide to the era.
I wanted to ask what sunglesses is she wearing in the poster pic? I would love to find them.
Thanks,
Posted by: amber | 01/29/2010 at 02:17 AM