In the 1920s, women were finally being granted long awaited freedoms in minor areas of fashion, but also in more substantial arenas as in the power to vote, hence to think and to act. However, it remains — and remains today in many cultures — that a woman’s virtue is a prize above all that should be heralded, guarded, and protected. If that virtue is in question or “easy,” a backlash is inevitable.
This clash of cultures and ideology is the premise of Easy Virtue, based upon a Noel Coward play and directed by Stephen Elliot (most notable for his direction of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert).
John Whitaker (Ben Barnes), a young Englishman, impulsively marries Larita (Jessica Biel), a free-spirited, glamorous American. The story begins when he brings her home to meet his traditional, reserved British family, with his severe and disapproving mother (excellently played by Kristin Scott Thomas) at the helm. One might think that this is a somewhat stereotypical English movie, staged with fevered looks over tea cups as conversations amble along about the weather and the state of the roads, However, what ensues is more of a madcap romp as Larita alternately inspires and draws ire from John’s very English family, as she tries to bring his two sisters (Katherine Parkinson, Kimberley Nixon) into the 20th century with mixed results and bond with John’s father, played by Colin Firth who takes a departure from his proper Englishman “Mr. Darcy” persona to play a brooding and reluctant patriarch who welcomes Larita, but must first contend with his own demons.
Larita’s foremost challenge however, is to find acceptance from the formidable Mrs. Whittaker (Krisitin Scott Thomas). Mrs. Whitaker is a matriarch not willing to readily accept this objectionable modern woman from Detroit for her beloved only son. Mother and daughter-in-law clash through countless and hilarious exchanges, especially as Larita’s scandalous past become unraveled and revealed. It’s a veritable verbal smack down; English stuffiness versus Detroit steel and who will emerge as the victor is anyone’s guess, especially as the characters try to reconcile various issues in their lives and determine what relationships are worth saving-and which ones are not worthy of self-sacrifice.
Easy Virtue might not have the ingredients of the typical summer blockbuster fare. Although it’s entertaining to be dazzled by special effects and watch someone save the world, sometimes its more rewarding to watch something that makes us pause, think, and maybe save ourselves.
Easy Virtue is playing exclusively at Boardman’s Art Theatre.