When there’s a line which says, “Every time I smell turpentine, I’ll think of you,” you know you‘re in for a total cheesefest.
The story follows Florentino (Unax Ugalde/Javier Bardem) who falls in love at first sight with Fermina (Giovanna Mezzogiorno). The two exchange letters and agree to marry, but Fermina’s rich father sends her away because Florentino is not of a high enough class to marry his daughter. The pair continue to communicate via telegraphs, only for her to return years later to deny his advances. Heartbroken, Florentino embarks upon a series of meaningless affairs in order to take his mind off his broken heart, while Fermina marries a successful doctor (Benjamin Bratt). When Bratt dies 52 years later, Florentino makes his way to Fermina’s house after the funeral to declare his love.
The most disappointing thing about this film is that it takes too much time on cheesy romance and not enough of the gritty, interesting aspects of the story - the class struggle which prevented their union and affects the way in which Ferminas marriage progesses. Nor does it really detail any more than a few of the women Florentino acquires (Six hundred and twenty two, all together.). Also, it never really gives you enough of a hint as to why Fermina denied him after years of contact. Was it the class barrier, or was it because she changed her mind? I suppose you’re supposed to make your own mind up, but there‘s really not enough to go on, because we don‘t follow her story as closely.
More infuriating - young Florentino seems to undergo a massive transformation from 20s to 30s, from beautiful, smooth skinned Ugalde to the rough, broad features of Javier Bardem, while the actress playing Fermina remains practically unchanged. It begs the question of why Bardem was not used all the way through. Also, the way in which most of the characters were aged was ridiculous - adding grey hair does not make someone look 20 years older.
However, it is entertaining. I was never bored, and there’s plenty of lovely scenery to look at. The cheese is at times hilarious - Florentino’s own mother sets him up with a widow whilst she’s sitting in the next room, listening. If you’re in no way into romantic films, miss this one out. Its okay, it just could have been so much better. Definitely a cinema card kind of film.
Love in The Time of Cholera is out now.
