The Aspern Papers

The Aspern Papers is a period drama film inspired by a mid-19th-century novella of the same name written by iconic author Henry James. The film was released in 2018, and it's an international production involving the UK, Germany, and the USA. The Aspern Papers was directed by Julien Landais, marking an impressive directorial debut, and features a truly majestic ensemble cast. The film stars renowned actors Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson, bringing together an assembly of performers who deliver stellar performances.

The film, which is set in Venice in the late 19th century, follows the fascinating storyline of a passionate and tenacious American editor named Morton Vint (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Morton is utterly obsessed with the romantic poet Jeffrey Aspern, who is long dead. Determined to uncover the enigmatic poet's past, Morton travels to a secluded, crumbling mansion in Venice, Italy. His aim is to get his hands on the letters Aspern wrote to his beautiful lover and muse, Juliana Bordereau (Vanessa Redgrave).

Juliana, a formidable and reclusive old woman, still lives in the deeply atmospheric Venetian house, withdrawn from society and fiercely protective of her privacy and those letters. Her only companion is her niece, Miss Tina (Joely Richardson), who, in contrary, is socially isolated and innocent. Morton takes up the task of using his charm and charismatic personality to infiltrate the household, becoming a boarder there. He plans to seduce the unsuspecting Miss Tina as he manoeuvres closer to achieving his goal of obtaining those cherished letters. This situation sets up a deeply suspenseful narrative exploring deceit, obsession and the price one might pay for success.

The Aspern Papers displays a compelling narrative encased inside a visually explosive and lush cinematography. The stunning backdrop of Venice is breathtaking and the historical setting is captured authentically. The production clearly leverages the beauty and allure of the city with its ancient palaces, quiet alleys, and enchanting waterways forming the perfect canvas for this historic drama.

The film's screenplay, written by Julien Landais, Jean Pavans and Hannah Bhuiya, takes measures to remain faithful to the tone of Henry James' novella while also making necessary adaptions for a modern audience. The story retains its exploration of complex personal obsessions, the tension between the classes, and the intricate dynamics that exist in relationships and power struggles. It also maintains the novella’s undertones of psychological suspense and intrigue, steadily building tension throughout.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers provides a brilliant performance, showcasing the dedication, obsession, and callous motivation that drives his character in his quest. Vanessa Redgrave, a legend unto herself, adds the necessary gravitas and mystery to the character of Juliana. She delivers a flawless portrayal of the enigmatic former lover, protecting what she considers her last real link to her beloved Aspern. It's also worth noting the presence of Joely Richardson, Redgrave's real-life daughter, playing the role of her onscreen niece. Richardson’s evocative performance adds a layer of sweet innocence and naïvete, often contrasted with a surprising depth of inner strength and resilience. This ensemble cast powerfully embodies their respective characters, creating a captivating dynamic that adds to the overall appeal of the film.

Additionally, the film’s incorporation of beautiful costumes and set design leave no stone unturned in creating a believably historic setting. The background score also adds a layer of emotional depth, perfectly evoking the era it depicts, and provides a fitting sound sheath to the movie’s narrative.

In conclusion, The Aspern Papers is a visually stunning and beautifully acted period piece that does justice to the original novella. As a story, it focuses on themes of obsession, deceit, love and the lengths to which one would go to obtain a piece of literary history. Winning in terms of its alluring cinematography, remarkable performances and historic accuracies, The Aspern Papers draws you in and holds your attention until the very last frame. It's a film that fans of period dramas, classic literature, and quality acting performances will definitely cherish.