Ernest Hemingway’s final novel, Across the River and Into the Trees, isn’t exactly known to be among his best works, so it’s probably no surprise that it took quite a while for anyone to adapt it to the cinematic medium. Director Paula Ortiz’s adaptation is fine, if unremarkable, elevated by its excellent cast and impressive production values.
Across the River and Into the Trees Review
The film follows a US Army Colonel who receives a life-changing diagnosis but meets it with indifference, taking a sojourn through post-WWII Venice. Those familiar with Hemingway’s work won’t be surprised by what Across the River and Into the Trees has in store — it’s poignantly meditative and incredibly simple. However, there is an undeniable elegance in that simplicity that allows this to be a charming drama.
This feeling of elegance is aided by the movie’s exquisite visuals. Cinematographer Javier Aguirresaobe does a great job of capturing the gorgeousness of the film’s Italian settings, offering a perfect complement to the restrained beauty of the story. Although there are a few pretensions, like a changing aspect ratio, they don’t distract the viewer’s focus from the core emotion of the script.
The pacing is slow, but at an hour and 45 minutes long, it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Although well-read viewers will know exactly where the arcs are headed narratively and emotionally, Hemingway’s writing has a particular rhythm that allows it to be alluring and immersive. Writer Peter Flannery does a pretty good job of translating that into a screen-friendly format.
Across the River and Into the Trees explores themes of death and mortality — common motifs in Hemingway’s work. Considering that the movie is based on a novel that’s almost 75 years old, it can be forgiven for covering familiar ground. Many works in the years since have been inspired by Hemingway’s style, and Flannery’s script is intended as a classical interpretation as opposed to a modernization.
That being said, one has to wonder what there is still to get out of a story that’s three-quarters of a century old. That’s not to say there isn’t merit in classic literature — there is — but there’s a reason this isn’t one of Hemingway’s most enduring tales. It’s exceedingly quaint, and while plenty of viewers will certainly see their own fears and anxieties in this war-torn captain’s story, it’s not the type of movie that will leave you feeling particularly moved.
The main reason to watch Across the River and Into the Trees is Liev Schreiber’s performance in the lead role. His turn is deceptively nuanced, with a strong, stolid facade undercut by deep currents of humanity. Schreiber is an incredibly versatile actor, but he often doesn’t get to shine in the lead (outside of Ray Donovan, of course), so it’s refreshing to see him get a role like this that allows him to flex his chops.
There are also a few recognizable faces in the supporting cast. Josh Hutcherson has a pretty sizable supporting role, and while he doesn’t have as much material to chew on as Schreiber, he has a few affecting scenes. Danny Huston shows up in an incredibly small bit part and doesn’t make much of an impact. The true standout in the supporting cast, though, is Italian actress Matilda De Angelis, whose tenderness is incredibly welcome.
Is Across the River and Into the Trees worth watching?
Across the River and Into the Trees is better than expected, considering that it’s based on source material that isn’t that acclaimed and came out 75 years ago. But that’s precisely what a good cast and strong visuals can do for a film, especially when it’s a poignant drama like this. Although it’s likely to be just as passed over as the book it’s based on, it’s a pleasant enough experience as you watch it.
Across the River and Into the Trees hits theaters on August 30.
7/10
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