Triumph of Love (2001)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Written by Clare Peploe, Marilyn Goldin, and Bernardo Bertolucci, based upon the play by Marivaux
Directed by Clare Peploe
Cinematography by Fabio Cianchetti
Costume Design by Metka Kosak
Starring Sir Ben Kingsley, Mira Sorvino, Fiona Shaw, Rachael Stirling, Ignazio Oliva, Luis Molteni, and Jay Rodan

Features:

• None
  

Rated: PG-13

Anamorphic: Yes.

My verdict: Rent it.

The Princess has inherited her throne from a usurper, and the rightful ruler died in prison at her father’s hands. Unbeknownst to most of the kingdom, however, the rightful king left a son, with whom the Princess fell in love at first sight, when spying on him at his bath in the woods. The young man in question, Agis, has been raised by a love-hating rationalist philosopher and his spinster sister, both of whom taught Agis to hate the Princess. Now, however, the Princess will not be deterred and, along with her maid, takes on the costume of a young man to infiltrate the philosopher’s estate, hoping to win the heart of Agis and ensure the safety of her throne.

If this plot sounds a bit like a Shakespearean farce, then you have it in one. This comedy blends most of the tropes of a classical comedy, and not always the best bits, into one. We have women dressed up as men to gain the love of a reticent hero, prideful characters, and goofy servants. Be prepared to leave aside some of your logical considerations, such as “why does anyone think for a minute these are boys?” or “why does the Princess have to seduce everyone?” Another consideration is the ethical grey area where we live for most of the film; the ostensible heroine, having fallen in love with the hero’s backside at first glance, lies, manipulates, and uses people at will, with the ostensible excuse that they were plotting against her, a fact we never really see justified—not that I would be too afraid of these “masterminds” in any case. Just sit back and watch the farce unfold.

The editing and staging of this film is interesting. Given that this movie was originally a play, the director worked to give the film a very theatrical feel, occasionally interspersing the action with brief flashes of a seated, modern audience watching the action unfold. A decision was made to give it the impression that only one of the characters sees these modern viewers, and whether or not that was the right choice, it is at least interesting. The last scene of the film converts the actors, singing, into a company front onstage, dressed in casual modern dress, much like they must have worn in reality for rehearsals. Other than this, the colors are rich and the sets are lavish—very much like an opulent stage set.

But the real strength of this film is not the plot or even the frequently clever, witty dialogue: it’s the performances. Even the minor roles are wonderful, such as Oliva as Harlequin. Kingsley, always a delight, is simply perfect, by turns taciturn and adorable. The part of Hermocrates asks him to be cold, overly rational, and harsh one moment, and then nearly giggly as a schoolboy the next, and Kingsley shows why he’s one of the world’s greatest actors as he lends a dignity, believability, and presence to this role. The real highlight, however, is hearing him sing part of an aria at the end of the film.

Triumph of Love is an absolutely gorgeous costume drama that will make you yearn for the past. The plot may be a wee bit weak in places, but let the wonderful performances sweep you away from all that. It might not be worth buying to watch over and over and soak up nuances, but it is a fun rental and wonderful for a change from the usual Hollywood claptrap.