American Friends

American Friends is a subtly complex, romantic feature film from 1991, directed by Tristram Powell. The film stars Michael Palin, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Powell, alongside Bryan Pringle and Fred Pearson. Palin's restrained performance and the historical context of the film blend harmoniously to present a story that is captivating and immersive.

Set in 1863, the movie centers around Reverend Francis Ashby, played by Palin, a senior tutor at an Oxford University college named St. Saviour's. The character of Ashby is inspired by Palin's real-life great-grandfather. Ashby is a staunch bachelor, reflective of the era when many Oxford University dons were expected to remain unmarried out of devotion to their academic pursuits.

When Ashby embarks on an annual relaxing hiking vacation in the Swiss Alps, he comes across two American ladies, Miss Caroline Hartley and Miss Elinor Hartley, her younger, vivacious ward. Miss Caroline Hartley, brought to life by Connie Booth, is a free-thinking, independent woman who challenges the Oxfordian's personal policy of remaining single.

The enchanting Miss Elinor Hartley, played by Trini Alvarado, is a spark in Ashby's otherwise monotonous life. Elinor's outgoing personality and her somewhat unconventional views greatly fascinate Ashby, leaving him with a sense of longing and confusion. Unknowingly, both women have a significant impact on Reverend Ashby; they introduce him to perspectives, experiences, and emotions that compel him to question his obligations at the University and his enforced solitude.

When he returns to Oxford, Ashby tried to settle back into his scholarly life, but the impressions made by the Hartleys prove too profound for him to ignore. Therefore, Ashby finds himself caught in a challenging position in which he must balance his deeply ingrained academic duties and the desire for companionship.

In a supporting role, Fred Pearson plays Oliver Syme, Ashby's good-natured friend and colleague at St. Saviour's. Pearson's character is consistently light-hearted and uplifting, providing a buffer to the internal struggle Ashby is experiencing. Bryan Pringle's portrayal of the stern college porter adds a touch of comic relief to the film, amplifying the film's charm and appeal further.

An unexpected element in American Friends is its critique of the rigid structure and outdated norms of Oxford University's setup during the 19th century. As Ashby grapples with his private desires and constraints, the narrative also implicitly questions the University's assertive influence over its affiliates' personal lives.

The setting of the film highlights the stark contrast between the Swiss Alps' free and refreshing atmosphere and the stringent, brooding environment of Oxford University. This reference deepened the movie's visual aesthetic and amplified the characters' narrative arc.

Palin's performance is remarkable as he channels an array of emotions playing a character stuck between his commitment to his profession and his longing for personal fulfillment. The character of Reverend Francis Ashby is quietly compelling, imbued with an endearing mixture of poise, ambivalence, and humanity that Palin conveys with subtlety and grace.

The film is beautifully shot, capturing the serene beauty of the alpine regions, juxtaposed with the gray, austere atmosphere of Oxford, and the stunning performances are ably supported by a delicately emotive music score composed by Georges Delerue.

American Friends, while quietly-paced and reflective, is far from dull. Rather than focusing on broad historical periods or dramatic events, the film paints a penetrating portrait of an individual wrestling with his personal wants and societal expectations. It is an intimate exploration of social mores, expectations, interactions within social institutions, and most importantly, the human yearning for companionship and emotional connection. This film succeeds in marrying subtle humor, poignant storytelling, and human sensitivity into one resonant product.

In summary, American Friends is a thoughtful, serene, and softly humorous film that seamlessly weaves a story about exploring personal freedoms, living within societal constraints, and the inevitable intersection of the two. This delicate balance is maintained with grace and lightness that leaves viewers with a deep consideration and appreciation of the narrative's themes. It is an excellent watch for those who appreciate period movies or are intrigued by historical insights into academia and personal life in the 19th-century British context.