This week’s movie of the week is Australian director Stephan Elliott’s (‘The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert’)fine new film ‘Easy Virtue’, an adaptation of Noel Coward’s play of the same name.

‘Easy Virtue’ tells a classic story. After being away, John Whittaker, a well to do young man returns to his family home with a feisty new bride, Larita. His family and, in particular, his mother, Veronica, want the same John as from before. But there’s something different about John, namely his beautiful, assertive wife, who is trying to teach him a new way of being. Larita doesn’t want to stay long, she wants to continue making a new life with John, away from family pressures. John becomes the centre of a huge tug of war between the family, represented by Veronica, on one side, and Larita on the other.

The chief reward of ‘Easy Virtue’ lay in its rich character studies, realised by a fine cast. Jennifer Biel gave a crystal clear performance as Larita. Here was a stylish, beautiful, independent young woman who would always have to follow her own path. Some of Biel’s scenes take the breath away. Her climactic scene, that takes place during a dance in a grand ballroom, is, in itself, worth the price of admission.

Ben Barnes gave an equally clear performance as John Whittaker. A sophisticated, spoilt, urbane young man he has had the disadvantage that life has generally been plain sailing for him. John really struggles with the conflict that his marriage to Larita has aroused wihin the family. It tests his strength of character to breaking point.

Kristin Scott Thomas was, in her own way, terrifying as the over controlling mother Veronica. Sure it’s not the most original part an actrress has ever played, but she sure does it well!

Colin Frith is excellent as Veronica’s husband, Jim. Their marriage is in name only, with the love long departed. The tension between them is palpable. A bit of a non-conformist himself, Jim is drawn to Larita’s independent spirit.