A Bigger Splash

Director Luca Guadagnino’s A Bigger Splash is like a big douche.

Here is a fabulous ensemble of talent, including Tilda Swinton as Marianne a famous rock star, recovering from throat surgery, Matthias Schoenaerts as Paul, her lover and caregiver of 6 years, Ralph Fiennes as Harry, Marianne’s ex-lover and ex-manager and Dakota Johnson as Harry’s daughter Penelope. 

                                                                                       

Cinematography by Yorick Le Saux, Production Design by Maria Djurkovic and Editing by Walter Fasano are all excellent.

 

So, what’s the problem?

It’s the story by Alain Page, written for the screen by David Kajganich.

Marianne is recuperating with Paul on an island off of Italy, when Paul and his daughter show up, unexpectedly, to ruin their solace.

Unfortunately, Ralph Fiennes plays his role too well.  Harry is the ultimate Trumpian man …boisterous and incredibly boring.  Not only does he get on the nerves of the other characters, but those of the audience, as well.

It didn’t take me long to start checking my watch to see how soon I could get out of the theater.  I even did something I never do…listened to a phone message to pass the time.

When Harry is finally killed off, there’s no audience remorse, only sighs of relief.   

If it weren’t for Dakota Johnson, I probably would have left long before this happy ending…even happier because Paul and Marianne get away with it.

I give A Bigger Splash a 2.6 out of 5.