Camilla MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1

Camilla Cara (Jessica Tandy) was a famous classical violinist in the 30's, but gave it up suddenly after performing the Brahms concerto. Now in her 80's, she lives with her son Harold in the deep South. Vincent and Freda Lopez (Bridget Fonda) move into the guest house and make quick friends with Camilla and her son. Harold gets Vincent a job as a movie poster artist and the two leave immediately for a film shoot in Toronto. Freda refuses to accompany her husband, however, because she wants to stay home and compose music. When her first performance in a local bar is a dismal failure, Freda seeks Camilla for comfort. On a whim, the pair decides to drive to Toronto to meet Harold and Vincent. They don't get too far, however, before Freda's car falls off a ferry and they must hitchhike the rest of the way. Upon arrival, they meet Camilla's old love, Ewald (Oldman), whom she has not seen since her last performance. Brahms. When they rekindle their relationship, Camilla must come to terms with her son's control and find a way which will allow both of them to lead their own lives. This is not the late Jessica Tandy's most memorable performance, but she is wonderful as the tall-tale telling violinist, and for that alone this film is worth seeing.

CAMILLA is a delightful film with just enough objectionable elements to give it a negative rating. Although done humorously, it may offend some to see Jessica Tandy running naked into the ocean for a swim, with Bridget Fonda following suit by stripping off her clothes. Ewald makes three specific references to the beauty of Camilla's breasts, but in an endearing and uncrude manner. Shortly after this, Camilla sneaks up to his bedroom and spends the night with him. This scene symbolizes Camilla's first step toward breaking away from her son. Crude and obscene language is used in a humorous manner, but it could have easily been excluded without consequence. It's unfortunate that these elements mar the film's lighthearted humor and the enjoyable cross-generation friendship which develops between Camilla and Freda.

Preview Reviewer: Krista Kay Bontrager
Distributor: Miramax Films, 18 E. 48th St., NY, NY 10017