A Good Woman (2004): A Movie Review

A Good Woman stars Helen Hunt as Mrs. Erlynne and Scarlett Johansson as Meg Windermere. Mrs. Erylnne is a divorcee who lives off of wealthy married men. After being driven from New York society by jealous wives, she decides to vacation for a season in Italy. Mrs. Erlynne has set her sights on Lord Windermere and seems to easily ensnare him once she reaches Italy. Meg Windermere is pretty clueless at first but starts to be suspicious of her husband on the eave of her 20^th birthday party. The movie is set in the 1930's. Warning: My movie review contains plot spoilers.

A Good Woman was a delightful surprise. Helen Hunt was excellent as the scheming Mrs. Erlynne who turns out to be "The Good Woman." At first I thought the movie was going to be predictable but the movie contained several surprising plot twists. The viewers are given the impression that Mrs. Erlynne is having an affair with Lord Windermere but actually she is just blackmailing him with a secret from her past. I was very impressed with Helen's acting skills and I thought her facial expressions conveyed the depth of her personality.

Scarlett Johansson was also excellent as the innocent Meg Windermere. She is deeply in love with her husband. She also does an excellent job of deflecting the attentions of a young English nobleman who has no problems seducing his best friend's wife since he thinks the friend is adultery. Lord Darlington probably would still try to seduce her even without the gossip because he is the typical international playboy who has no problems breaking hearts. Once Meg thinks her husband is cheating on her, she decides to take Lord Darlington up on his numerous advances. Luckily Mrs. Erylnne swoops in and prevents Meg from making that terrible mistake. Mrs. Erylnne even gives up her chance at love in order to save Meg. Mrs. Erylnne's character is redeemed and she is even given a second chance at love.

Tom Wilkinson as Tubby was the most impressive character in the film. Twice divorced and extremely wealthy, he sets his sights on Mrs. Erylnne. All of his friends think he is being a fool but he is not one to listen to idle gossip. At first, the viewers are given the impression that Mrs. Erylnne is just using Tubby too but you quickly realize she does have feeling for him. Of course she has fears of commitment so she resists his advances until the end. I really enjoyed Tom Wilkinson as Tubby.

I can't think of one bad thing about the movie. I will add it to my list of romantic keepers. I give the movie 5 out of 5 stars.