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The Man from Elysian Fields

1 disc
Region 1 USA/CA (info)

In this sophisticated saga, Andy Garcia (who also produced) plays a struggling author who reluctantly (at first) takes a job as a high-priced male escort to support his family. Rock icon Mick Jagger is Luther, his suave, enigmatic employer, and ex-E.R. star Julianna Margulies plays the wife kept waiting at home. It's a classic morality play given a modern twist as Byron (Garcia) winds up hired by the beautiful young wife (Olivia Williams) of famous, terminally old writer Tobias Alcott (James Coburn). Mr. Alcott is okay with the arrangement and even takes a shine to his wife's new "friend." Soon Byron is a near-permanent resident at their decaying mansion, helping Tobias finish his final novel in addition to bedding his wife. But if he thinks his ship has come in, Byron has some lessons to learn about a gigolo's place in the world. Lush cinematography and profound, witty dialogue are key here, with director Hickenlooper making good use of color and composition to enhance the story. Performances are all fine, but the show is stolen by Jagger and Coburn. One campily posh, the other vibrantly crusty, the film lights up with old-school majesty whenever either is onscreen.
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Additional Info

Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 00272
Credits

Andy Garcia, Mick Jagger, Julianna Margulies, Olivia Williams, James Coburn, Anjelica Huston
Critic Reviews

"...A shimmering fable of innocence and experience....This is an elegant film with often surprising twists and an intermingling of naivete and sophistication. It is bolstered by a dream cast..."
Los Angeles Times
"...When Mr. Coburn is in full billy-goat bluster or Mr. Jagger is purring in his snug designer suits, THE MAN FROM ELYSIAN FIELDS has a raffish, unpredictable charm..."
New York Times
"...[Featuring] a smart, humorous script and a cluster of skillful performances..."
Movieline's Hollywood Life
"This sharply scripted Hollywood morality tale provides Andy Garcia one of his best roles in years."
Sight and Sound