Some Kind of Beautiful

Some Kind of Beautiful, also known as How to Make Love Like an Englishman in some regions, is a 2014 romantic comedy film directed by Tom Vaughan, graced by the star-studded cast of Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, and Jessica Alba. The rich screenplay crafted by Matthew Newman breathes life into the dynamic characters within the film, making for a unique love triangle that fuels the plot and narrative.

The movie thrusts into the life of Richard Haig, a well-polished Englishman portrayed by the charismatic Pierce Brosnan. He’s a Cambridge literature professor with a knack for Romantic poetry and a personal life as colorfully complex as his academic pursuits. Richard's roguish charm and enchanting wit render him a likable protagonist, warranting the audience's attention and empathy.

Jessica Alba plays Kate, a vibrant and young American student who sweeps into Richard's life like a breath of fresh air. Kate, in her youth and liveliness, draws Richard into a whirlwind romance that takes him on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leading him to rexamine his personal life, career and, ultimately, his sense of self.

Meanwhile, Salma Hayek’s character, Olivia, is an accomplished and sophisticated woman that Richard meets and later befriends. Olivia is Kate's older sister, and a stark contrast to Kate's exuberance, bringing a mature grace and elegance into Richard's life. Olivia's grounding presence and refined attitude has a significant impact on Richard, guiding him to a crossroads where he must make significant life decisions.

The plot thickens as Richard finds himself juggling his love for Kate, his growing bond with Olivia, and his responsibilities as a father. The enticing love triangle is a central theme in Some Kind of Beautiful, and one the audience can't help but be engrossed in.

Tom Vaughan uses his directorial prowess to deftly weave a narrative that explores the many facets of love, relationships, and the complexities they inevitably bring. Despite these weighty themes, Vaughan ensures the story retains a light-hearted tone, accompanying the romantic and familial dilemmas with a healthy dose of humour. This makes Some Kind of Beautiful an engaging rom-com that is as heartwarming as it is humorous.

In terms of cinematic beauty, the movie excels impressively. Cinematography by David Tattersall highlights the elegant vibrancy and fluctuations of the characters’ lives - from the pristine beauty of Cambridge to the sunny allure of Los Angeles. Fast-paced city life, the tranquil university backdrop, Richard's chaotic personal life, and even his introspective moments, are all captured with finesse, amplifying the emotional essence of the film.

Musically, Stephen Endelman's score adds an extra layer of depth to the film. The soundtrack beautifully augments the narrative, flowing seamlessly with the ebb and flow of the plotline. The music encapsulates the narrative’s essence - a romantic crescendo, comedic interludes, and contemplative undertones that brilliantly resonate with the story.

Performance-wise, Pierce Brosnan impressively caricatures Richard's mid-life crisis, successfully delivering a role that balances scholarly charm and befuddled romantic. Jessica Alba's energy as Kate engulfs the audience, perfectly portraying an impulsive young lover whose life changes dramatically. Lastly, Salma Hayek, with a quiet, dignified presence, remarkably portrays Olivia, a mature, disciplined woman dealing with an uncertain future.

Some Kind of Beautiful seemingly presents as a quintessential romantic comedy on the outside, yet it contains depth about the complexities of relationships, life decisions, and the bittersweet balance between love and responsibility. This is accomplished through the earnest performances by Brosnan, Hayek and Alba, the lens of Vaughan’s direction, and Newman’s intuitive dialogue.

It's a film that manages to capture the nuances of a beautiful mess - a journey into the life of an Englishman who learns that life, like love, is never straightforward but is always some kind of beautiful.