Who hasn't dreamed at least once of running off to a foreign country and starting a new life? That's exactly what Frances (Diane Lane) does in UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, directed by Audrey Wells (GUINEVERE). Traveling in Tuscany after a heart-wrenching divorce, Frances surprises herself by making an offer on a rundown villa--the biggest impulse purchase of her life. With the help of a warmhearted, smitten real estate agent and a local contractor with a team of Polish workers, her 300-year-old house is slowly transformed into a home. Along the way, she encounters a larger-than-life British ex-patriot, kind and generous neighbors, and a charming Italian man or two. Essentially, the film is an affirmation that good things can happen if one lets them--and that sometimes what seems like a terrible mistake or a crazy idea is a really a blessing. Lane is completely engaging as Frances, second-guessing her speedy purchase, looking for love, and rediscovering herself. Based on the book by Frances Mayes, the film was shot on location in Rome, Florence, Positano, and Cortona in Italy. The breathtaking scenery is sure to have viewers saving their pennies for next year's vacation--or their Tuscan dream house.
Theatrical Release: September 26, 2003
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Distributor Notes: Under The Tuscan Sun
From the studio that brought you SWEET HOME ALABAMA comes the extraordinary romantic comedy starring Academy Award(R) nominee Diane Lane (2002 Best Actress, UNFAITHFUL). Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book, UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN follows San Francisco writer Frances Mayes (Lane) to Italy as a good friend offers her a special gift -- 10 days in Tuscany. Once there, she is captivated by its beauty and warmth, and impulsively buys an aging, but very charming, villa. Fully embracing new friends and local color, she finds herself immersed in a life-changing adventure filled with enough unexpected surprises, laughter, friendship, and romance to restore her new home -- and her belief in second chances.
Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
Executive Producer
Laura Fattori: Executive Producer, UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN (2003)
Executive Producer
Mark Gill: Executive Producer, UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN (2003)
Executive Producer
Sandy Kroopf: Screenwriter, BIRDY (1984)
Source Writer
Frances Mayes: Author, UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN (2003)
Director of Photography
Geoffrey Simpson: Cinematographer
Review 1:
"...A fun movie to sit through....And the movie is all Lane, make no mistake..."
Source: USA Today
p.8E 09/26/2003
Review 2:
"...Ms. Wells keeps the movie going with a steady, commanding hand..."
Source: New York Times
p.E15 09/26/2003
Review 3:
"...A spellbinding display of emotional transparency..."
Source: Variety
p.23 09/22/2003
Review 4:
"Lane glows with good cheer and we enjoy the escapism."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.11 01/30/2004
Review 5:
"[T]he perfect tonic for those who have not yet seen how a special place can nurture spiritual transformation."
Source: Spirituality & Health
pp.72-3 05/01/2004