The always affable Colin Firth and lovely Emily Blunt are taking on new identities in the new dramedy ARTHUR NEWMAN, which find the duo linked together on a journey to escape who they are by becoming someone they’re not. Based on a script by Becky Johnston (SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET) and directed by first-timer Dante Ariola, the pic looks like a fun little jaunt, that benefits mostly by Firth and Blunt, who bring a lot of zip and presence to just about any project they’re attached to.
Take a look:
Here’s the synopsis:
Wallace Avery hates his job. His ex-wife and son hate him, and he’s blown his one shot at living his dream. Not wanting to face all this, he stages his own death and buys himself a new identity as Arthur Newman. However, Arthur’s road trip towards anew life is interrupted by the arrival of the beautiful but fragile Mike, who is also trying to leave her past behind. Drawn to one another, these two damaged souls begin to connect as they break into empty homes and take on the identities of the absent owners: elderly newlyweds, a high-roller and his Russian lady, among others. Through this process, Arthur and Mike discover that what they love most about each other are the identities they left at home, and their real journey, that of healing, begins.
It may not be a groundbreaking concept, but for a dramady it looks pretty engaging. I’m a fan of both actors, who bring a healthy balance to a film like this. I really enjoyed Firth in LOVE ACTUALLY and Blunt in THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT, so pairing them up for a road trip identity theft movie seems like a good pairing.
ARTHUR NEWMAN is set for release on April 26, 2013.