REVIEW - HOPE SPRINGS

A thematically deep, perceptive relationship drama is itching to worm its way out of Hope Springs' screenplay, but it is stymied by rote direction and a commercialised tone at every turn. Maybe writer Vanessa Taylor ought to have reduced the potential for such mainstream deviation in her script, and maybe she resists the several opportunities to expose more profound psychological and emotional matters, or maybe her script is a perfectly decent light drama in itself. There certainly seems to be little scope for comedy, and so comedy is applied most liberally by director David Frankel in an apparent attempt to increase the earning capacity of the film. We are indebted to Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones, then, for creating the film's only, occasional, funny moments, with their sweetly naturalistic performances. Steve Carell plays the role of doctor with a sincerity that befits it (and a lack of humour that also befits it, and repels the comedic tone Frankel is pushing for), although in the credits sequence he is too insistent with his characterisation, and its intended effect as an object of comedy becomes clear, as does its failure in such a regard. The supporting cast includes talented, exciting actors like Marin Ireland and Jean Smart, and wastes them. But Streep and Jones are good, and have the appropriate chemistry for a couple whose marriage has slowly cracked and dried out after 31 years, and is now sealing over. Visuals are bland, as is the soundtrack. The most noticeable aspects of this tepid film are the production and costume designs - like an ad for Laura Ashley! Tell your mum and nan to watch Hope Springs - even if they cringe at the sex, at least one lampshade or wallpaper or floral skirt and cardy twinset will surely catch their eye.