Monday, October 5, 2020

DON’T READ THIS ON A PLANE (Directed by Stuart McBratney) ****

Audience Award Winner at Dances With Films - LA 

Starring Sophie Desmarais – a wide-eyed Audrey Hepburn look-alike, this gem of a quirky comedy features Jovana, an author who embarks on touring her book in Europe. But the first stop, Venice, gives her a rude awakening. Her publisher has gone bankrupt, and her reservation at the Ramada Hotel has been cancelled. This sets her on a course of true roughing it where she meets an assortment of characters in various countries, her give her rides and put her up.  The funny part is she hides in interviews the poor situation she is in, preferring to pretend she is staying at great hotels across Europe.

 The crux of the movie has us all wondering and the people she reads to in various bookstores in different countries, if the book is autobiographical. Did she really sleep with 100 women?

 The ending comes as a shocker. I loved this charming film. The story is offbeat and the events often entertaining. The constant in this film is her dragging her suitcase on wheels over all kinds of airports and terrains. It is most effective in evoking our sympathy for her tiring journey and dispelling any glamour of being on tour – in her case. Her bohemian adventure is as surprising as some of the places she ends up sleeping in. The lovely scenery in this film certainly adds beauty to her rather sketchy book touring experience. The ensemble cast is perfect. Mr. McBratney - an Australian director -  tastefully peppered his delightful film with humour and even pathos. 

 

Audience Award at Dances With Films-LA this month where the film had its World Premiere

 The film premiered in LA, winning the Audience Award at Dances With Films.

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