When I first read Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s extraordinary novel 'Love in the Time of Cholera" I was swept away by the beauty of this profound love story. It was so full of magic, joy and heartache that I wondered how it could ever transcend into a satisfying film experience.
Director Mike Newell, together with Oscar winning screenwriter Ronald Harwood, have attempted to bring Marquez’s 19th century Columbia to life but unfortunately the result is very disappointing.
The story traces the 50-year love obsession of Florentino Ariza. From the moment he lays eyes on the beautiful Fermina Daza he knows there will be no other. His love knows no bounds, while her love for him is buried deep within and her life set on a different path.
Adapting such a rich and well-loved novel for the screen was never going to be an easy task. Newell endeavours to give us beautiful pictures, but the magic so inherent in the novel, is missing.
The main problem with this adaptation is that it lacks the emotional heart and eroticism of the novel. It is long and drawn out and quite often falls into melodrama.
Some of the performances are over the top and the actors are greatly hindered by poor ageing make up. It sounds trivial, but makeup is something that should not be noticed otherwise it takes you out of the story.
Javier Bardem gives a wonderful performance as the lovelorn Ariza. He captures the pathos and humour of the novel and is a long way from his maniacal turn as the heartless killer in the brilliant 'No Country For Old Men".
Whilst it is a brave effort, I found it hard to care for the characters and their plight – and the 2 and a half hour running time didn’t help.
Despite being visually stunning, this adaptation is a long way from the beauty and majesty of the novel. 2.5 stars.
