Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Sweet conceit
By Sumaya Samarasinghe
Wicker Park
Directed by Paul McGuigan
Starring Josh Hartnett, Diane Kruger, Rose Byrne and Matthew Lillard
Wicker Park is a little difficult to write about because right throughout the film one word came into my mind – “pretentious.”

Actually, the film is a remake of a French movie called L’appartement, starring Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci. In brief, the story is about a young advertising executive, played by Josh Hartnett, who believes that he sees and hears the voice of the love of his life, who vanished without a trace two years ago, leaving him heartbroken. The problem is that our hero is in a restaurant with some clients and his beautiful fiancé.

Since he is unable to function after this incident, he puts his life on hold, and pursues the trail of this former lover. The film is made up of several flashbacks, which help us understand the relationship between the lovers.

Diane Kruger is quite lovely as the elusive object of desire. I personally feel that she looks even prettier than when she came as Helen in Troy. But I am yet to understand what directors see in Josh Hartnett. Whether he is in a serious role or a comedy, his acting skills don’t seem to vary and, oh man, that pouty look!

If you are in need of a film with good-looking actors, wearing trendy clothes and staying in nice unaffordable places, then watch Wicker Park. But I have a better suggestion; watch the original French version, which has a lot more intensity, a far better script and a super talented cast.

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