To escape his royal
problems, spoiled playboy Prince Edward of Denmark (Mably) enrolls at
a Wisconsin college incognito as “Eddie.” There he meets Paige
(Stiles), a focused, slightly uptight pre-med student. As lab partners
then co-workers, they fight at first then slowly warm up, finally
falling in love. Just as they start a relationship, though, paparazzi
have tracked Eddie down and Paige learns the truth. They break up but
at the end of the semester, Paige realizes she has to go after him.
They become engaged despite Eddie’s mother’s (Richardson) opposition.
In the end, Paige is faced with the dilemma of following her heart or
her dreams.
CRITIQUE
Having now seen
this film more than once, I feel I can confidently say this film is
light, fantasy romance with a script, direction, and especially
performances that aren’t bad at all.
The Prince and Me
was met with a variety of criticisms from critics on its release for
an ending that let the Paige character have it all. Old, crotchety,
hard-to-please cynics didn’t think it was realistic, assuming she had
to sacrifice something. What I think they failed to understand was
that in the present day, it is increasingly possible that some
compromise, such as the one at the end of the film, could be reached,
and also that a downbeat ending just would not have fit the story. An
ending in which Paige did choose medical school and Eddie didn’t
return was shot but I think it’s clear that the effectiveness of the
romance demanded the ending that’s in the film.
Though the very
premise does require a suspension of disbelief, the script is actually
good at affecting romantic scenes. More than that, the two central
dramatic scenes, the breakup and Paige’s final choice, really work,
perhaps even more on second viewing. The plot progresses at a nice,
even pace. Eddie’s character goes through a touching transformation,
and the comedy is mostly laugh-out-loud. There’s even a cool brief
action sequence with the lawnmower race.
The direction here
is above average. The camerawork is okay but the nice editing and good
use of dissolves is better. Martha Coolidge has also added light
touches of butterfly imagery and has pulled good work out of the
production designer and costume designer. There are memorable examples
of both locations, which are gorgeous in Europe, and costuming, like Paige’s pink ball gown. Aside from
that, the casting of Julia Stiles and Luke Mably is excellent. Not
only do they look great but their performances work and they spark
together.
THE VIDEO
As usual, the
format is 16 by 9 widescreen. This preserves the cinematography of the
theatrical release, so those great locations will stand out as they
did on the big screen.
THE AUDIO
This DVD features
both 5.1 Surround and Dolby Surround in English and also French 5.1
Surround. English and Spanish subtitles are also available. The sound
mix here is fine.
THE EXTRAS
Director’s
Commentary—Coolidge
offers a track that is mostly interesting. Her comments are a nice mix
of discussion of the story and behind-the-scenes filmmaking
information. I found a lot of this kept my attention. For example,
there are more special effects going on here than you may at first
suspect and I like the way she points out how Eddie’s character is
changing.
The Lawnmower Race
of The Prince and Me—On-camera interviews and behind-the-scenes footage
make up this brief but fun featurette about the action sequence I
mentioned above. The audience learns that a professional lawnmower
racing association was involved during filming.
The Look of The
Prince and Me— In the same format as the above featurette, this one is a
bit longer and just as entertaining. Information about the locations
in Europe
and Canada, the art direction, the costuming, and the cinematography
is covered.
Inside the Fairy
Tale: The Prince and Me—A general is only a bit less engaging than the
previous two. The entire production process is touched on, the most
interest coming in the research and scripting stage, as this hasn’t
been discussed yet. The team also discusses the ending of the film and
defend their choice convincingly.
Deleted/Extended
Scenes—Viewers
get to see eight scenes here, only one of which is an extended scene.
Though you can see why these were cut, they are still fun to watch.
Some are funny and that alternate ending is included so audiences can
make up their own mind.
Gag Reel—A
standard blooper reel that’s more amusing than laugh-out-loud funny.
Trailer—A
requisite theatrical trailer, which I think is a good one. There are
also other sneak peeks, which play before the menu will appear.
That’s my only complaint here.
FINAL THOUGHTS
An enjoyable film
is paired with above average features on this DVD. I think anyone can
enjoy a film that makes you smile, and maybe even believe in love.
Even in today’s world. I just like The Prince and Me.
