Expectations are an odd thing. Despite its actual quality, if the expectations for a film are especially high and it falls below them, the film disappoints the viewer. But, if expectations are low and a film surpasses them, it might delightfully surprise the viewer. For the little−known romantic comedy, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," expectations haven't really existed at all and, for this reason, a fairly average film turned out to be quite an enjoyable experience.
Based on the novel of the same name, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" tells the story of a neurotic fisheries expert, Dr. Fred Jones (Ewan McGregor) who, after being prompted by the British government, comes to work on the most unlikely and seemingly impossible project imaginable: introducing North Atlantic salmon into the rivers of the Yemen. Believing that such an accomplishment would prove to his country that there is still hope for Yemen, Sheikh Muhammad (Amr Waked) employs Dr. Jones, willing to spend whatever he must to inspire his people. Aided by Harriet Chetwode−Talbot (Emily Blunt), the Sheiks' beautiful, sharp and witty British legal representative, Dr. Jones, comes to realize that in Yemen, anything is possible.
If the theme of this summary seems slightly cliched, it's because "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" tends to drift into stereotypical territory from time to time. Aside from the unique storyline of trying to transplant thousands of salmon into a river that at first glance can't feasibly maintain them, the film is largely a predictable romantic comedy.
Yet, despite being a bit of a pastiche on the surface, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" turns out to be a surprisingly clever and intelligent piece. Thanks to the talent and chemistry of Blunt and McGregor, a plot that might have dragged is ripe with sincere heart and well−deserved laughs. From Dr. Jones' inability to tell jokes, to his insistence on calling Harriet "Ms. Chetwode−Talbot" every time he refers to her, McGregor continually amuses. As for Blunt, she infuses such frankness, sarcasm and sincerity into Harriet, that you can't help but smile when she comes on screen.
"Salmon Fishing in the Yemen's" true pleasure comes from the supporting performance from Kristen Scott Thomas, who plays the Prime Minister's press Secretary, Patricia Maxwell. Thomas serves as the movie's main outlet for humor, marching across the screen with a no−nonsense attitude and severe bluntness that leave characters stunned in her wake. Of course, the audience can't help but enjoy it.
Though the film sports some quality acting, it misses the mark at times in terms of plot. There's just too much going on. The two leads fighting against falling in love, the outlandish, million−dollar salmon transplant, the ploy by the British government to push the project through as a "good−faith" opportunity in the Middle East; all of these are acceptable plot points and some are interwoven quite well. Yet on top of all this, the film felt the need to challenge the characters — who obviously have enough conflict on their plate — with radical Muslim terrorists attempting to stop the Sheikh's plan.
Aside from completely eradicating the light−hearted, endearing tone, this sub−plot just fills up time and slows the pace of the movie, having little to do with storylines the audience cares about. Furthermore, it disrupts the flow of the film and takes what was witty and comedic about it and makes it serious and tragic.
These scenes were likely part of the book and were deemed necessary for the film by Simon Beaufoy, who adapted the screenplay. When a movie diverges from its source material it tends to disappoint, but in this rare case, changing such a minor aspect would have gone a long way in improving the production.
What really made "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" a fun experience though was expectation, or rather the lack thereof. Having heard little about the film, most viewers' expectations were low, and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" soared above these doubts with its fantastic cast and surprisingly clever wit. Thus, despite being an average film overall, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" was a delightful experience, simply because it was unexpected. Of course, this review will boost audiences' expectations, so who knows how enjoyable it will be now.
