An Upstream Battle
Marked as the feel-good film of the year, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen stars Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott-Thomas.
Dr. Alfred Jones (McGregor) is a fishing fanatic as well as a scientist, who is approached by a ludicrously wealthy Sheikh Muhammed (Amr Waked) with a preposterous proposal. The Sheikh’s plan is to introduce salmon into the Yemen in one of his man-made lakes in the desert. To anyone unfamiliar with the habitual needs of salmon, this is outrageous for several reasons - mostly down to the water type and climate.
At first, Jones is sarcastically against the plan, and makes his aversion well-known. It is only the chipper PA to the Sheikh, Harriet (Blunt) who is able to bring the good Dr. around in order to fulfil this whimsical idea. What ensues is your typical love tryst/dilemma movie, with plenty of hapless, embarrassing incidents and worn-out British stereotyping.
Whilst my enthusiasm for the idea of this film is lacking, the actual movie was quite enjoyable. All of the cast provide decent comedy performances, in particular Scott-Thomas as the prudent Press Officer to the Prime Minister, whose shamelessly belligerent approach to the matter is hilarious. The film is given depth with Blunt’s soldier boyfriend who goes missing in action, as well as Jones’ failing marriage.
The film’s in-your-face symbolism of salmon (yes they swim against the current, we get it) wears off quite quickly, but the story does make some poignant comments about modern relationships as well as the fickleness of love.
It’s not the Jaws of the Rom-Com but Salmon Fishing in the Yemen has enough bite to reel you in.
No comments:
Post a Comment