Director: Lasse Hallström
Talent: Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, Kristin Scott Thomas
Release Date: April 20th 2012
When millionaire Sheikh Muhammed proposes a ludicrous plan to introduce salmon to the rivers of his native Yemen, British government officials spot an opportunity to improve Anglo-Arab relations and divert attention away from the War in Afghanistan. Fueled by faith, money and the direct cooperation of the Prime Minister’s press secretary (Kristin Scott Thomas), plans get underway. Ewan McGregor’s Dr. Alfred Jones is drawn into the project, acting in the role of Fisheries expert. Initially stern and sceptical, he soon loosens up in the company of the Sheikh and his assistant, Harriet (the always-charming Emily Blunt), but even when he peels back the pretension, Jones’ arrogance persists, making it difficult for us to approve of his budding relationship with Harriet.
The ambitious task of translating Paul Torday’s novel to the screen proves too much; the film lacks direction, employing a scattering of techniques in a misguided attempt to mimic the book’s structure. Deprived of the satirical smack that made the novel’s success, Lasse Hallström’s film appears as a contrived fable that lacks the humour and sophistication to achieve the arch irony at which it aims. Less a political satire than a tiresome, middle-brow rom-com.
Words: Elaine Brennan-O’Dwyer
