The Tourist (2010)

Release Date: December 10, 2010
Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Rufus Sewell, Steven Berkoff

On a quiet evening, I found myself scrolling through streaming options and decided to give The Tourist a try. With Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp as the lead duo, I expected some level of star power, but I wasn't entirely sure what kind of film this would turn out to be. Would it be a thrilling espionage tale or a glamorous but shallow caper? In the end, it landed somewhere in between, leaving me with mixed feelings but ultimately a pleasant experience.

The Setup: A Mystery Wrapped in Elegance

The film begins with Elise Clifton-Ward (Angelina Jolie), who’s under constant surveillance by British law enforcement led by Inspector Acheson (Paul Bettany). They’re not watching her because of anything she’s done but because they believe she’s the key to catching her elusive lover, Alexander Pearce, a man who has stolen millions from a dangerous mobster.

To shake her tail, Elise boards a train to Venice, where she meets Frank Tupelo (Johnny Depp), an ordinary American tourist on vacation. In a twist that defines the rest of the movie, Elise chooses Frank as a decoy, leading authorities to believe he’s Pearce. From there, Frank gets caught in a web of danger, deceit, and international intrigue, all the while falling for Elise’s mysterious allure.

Cliché Meets Charm: Familiar but Fun

At its core, The Tourist is a film that doesn’t shy away from classic tropes: mistaken identities, glamorous getaways, and a mysterious femme fatale. However, what makes it entertaining is its unapologetic embrace of these elements. It’s predictable at times but executed with enough style that you’re happy to go along for the ride.

Jolie’s Elise exudes a sophisticated elegance, striding through Venice with a wardrobe that looks straight off a runway. Depp’s Frank, meanwhile, plays the role of the bewildered tourist well, bringing some humor to the otherwise suspenseful narrative. While the movie doesn’t offer many surprises, it has enough charm to keep you invested.

Venice as a Visual Masterpiece

One of the undeniable stars of The Tourist is Venice itself. The city is more than just a backdrop; it’s a crucial part of the film’s aesthetic appeal. Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck uses the canals, historic architecture, and opulent hotels to elevate the film’s sense of grandeur. Whether it’s a high-speed boat chase or a candlelit dinner overlooking the water, the visuals in this movie are stunning, making it feel like a luxurious escape as much as a thriller.

Venice is captured beautifully, and there’s something magical about watching the chase scenes play out against the city’s iconic landmarks. It almost feels like a travelogue with a dose of intrigue thrown in. Even if the plot doesn’t always keep you on the edge of your seat, the setting keeps you captivated.

The Chemistry: An Odd but Endearing Pair

One of the big questions going into this film was how well Jolie and Depp would work together. Both are immensely talented, but they come from different cinematic worlds. Jolie often plays strong, seductive characters, while Depp is more eccentric and quirky. Together, their chemistry in The Tourist isn’t sizzling, but it’s strangely charming.

Jolie is the picture of calm control as Elise, always one step ahead, while Depp’s Frank is just an ordinary guy trying to keep up. There’s a playful back-and-forth between them, but their romance is more of a slow simmer than a passionate affair. Their oddball dynamic works within the context of the film, adding a layer of lightness to the more dramatic plot points.

The Mystery of Alexander Pearce: Back-and-Forth Guessing

Now, here’s where the film had me going back and forth: is Frank Tupelo the real Alexander Pearce or not? The movie teases the possibility throughout, with just enough clues to make you second-guess what you’re seeing. I’ll admit, midway through, I thought I had it all figured out. Frank had to be Pearce, right? But as the story unfolded, I found myself doubting my prediction. The film flicks back and forth between leading you to believe Frank could be Pearce and then pulling you in another direction entirely. By the end, you’re still not entirely sure what to believe, which kept me hooked even as the film leaned into its predictable elements.

This ambiguity kept me engaged even though the plot itself wasn’t overly complex. It’s a testament to the film’s pacing that it managed to maintain this sense of uncertainty, even though the final twist is something seasoned moviegoers might predict.

The Action: More Style Than Substance

The action sequences in The Tourist are more subdued than in typical thrillers. There are a few chases through Venice’s canals, some shootouts, and moments of tension, but nothing overly intense. The film opts for elegance over brute force, with the action serving to heighten the film’s sense of glamour rather than providing heart-pounding thrills.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—if anything, it fits the film’s overall vibe. The Tourist isn’t an action-packed thrill ride; it’s more of a slow-burn cat-and-mouse game, with moments of action sprinkled in to keep things interesting.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag, But Ultimately Enjoyable

At the end of the day, The Tourist is a movie that’s more about style and star power than substance. The plot is fairly thin, and while the twists are fun, they’re not exactly groundbreaking. That said, the film is undeniably charming, carried by the charisma of its leads and the stunning backdrop of Venice.

For all its predictability, The Tourist has a certain appeal that makes it an enjoyable watch. It’s the kind of movie you can throw on when you’re in the mood for something light yet visually engaging. The performances by Jolie and Depp are strong enough to carry the film, and while their chemistry may not set the screen on fire, it’s endearing in its own way.

My final rating? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10).