A Room with a View (1985)

It is 1908.  Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) and her chaperon, Miss Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith) open the window of their room in Florence, Italy to discover an alley.  They had been promised a room with a view.  At dinner that evening, the lack of a view becomes the topic of discussion among the many English visitors staying at the pensione.  Mr. Emerson (Denholm Elliott) eagerly offers to switch rooms, since he and his son, George (Julian Sands), care nothing of the view. Charlotte declines as it would place an undue obligation on them.  No, it just wouldn't do.  However, Lucy is more broadminded and wishes that the switch had been accepted.  Reverend Mr. Beebe (Simon Callow) gladly intercedes to overcome the awkwardness of the situation.  As English tourists, it is unsurprising that they go on outings together.  George and Lucy meet more than once without Charlotte, sharing a passionate kiss.  Charlotte intervenes before anything further happens, but she booked immediate passage back to England.

Back in England, Lucy accepts a proposal for marriage from Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis), an unappealing and bookish prig.  He has all the passion of a damp rag.  Still, Lucy appears happy, and her future is set.  Until!  The Emersons arrive and let a villa.  George becomes fast friends with Lucy's brother, Freddy (Rupert Graves).  Thrust together once again, Lucy cannot help but compare the cold fish of Cecil to the torrid desire of George.  What will she do?

The outcome is never in doubt though the path to that destination has its charms.  The exploration of Florence and the surrounding countryside is a highlight.  The characters are generally well-developed.  Rupert Graves as a goofball brother was fun.  He's just overflowing with charm.  Helena Bonham Carter is startlingly young.  She is generally very good though her crying scenes didn't quite ring true.  Not expecting nudity, it was quite surprising when Sands, Graves, and Callow offered the full Monty while 'bathing' at a nearby pond. Funny, sure, but maybe a bit more filming from the waist up or limiting it to butt shots.  Daniel Day-Lewis felt miscast. I am so used to him being a magnetic personality that this vapid empty suit felt all wrong.  Of course, this was early in his career, but it felt like he wasn't trying.  Maggie Smith is excellent as always.

As a romantic period piece, it is well done.  Not my usual fare, but worth a watch for fans of any of the actors.  A glimpse into the mores of Edwardian England and early 20th century Italy.