I respectfully disagree :)

Lucy's character (Helena Bonham Carter) did a wonderful job of demonstrating her repressed desires which were so pivotal to the story as a whole. The only instance I can think of George "forcing himself on women," is when he kisses Lucy in the open field. This kiss resulted only after Lucy first approached George (standing all alone while contemplating the beautiful Italian countryside) and surprised him. Lucy's actions lead George to think she was also consumed by the surrounding beauty and wanted to share the rare moment with him. It seemed apparent to me that Lucy more than likely enjoyed this kiss (even though a surprise to her) as well, until Charlotte yells out to interrupt, snapping the magic moment, and restoring Lucy's sense of shame in being caught in a romantic encounter.

Lucy's desire for George seems to become ever more apparent, when she rejects Cecile for lacking some of George's qualities. Cecil asks Lucy for permission to kiss her, and then does so very unemotionally. This suggests that Lucy preferred George's more passionate and spontaneous kiss in the field. Lucy is marrying Cecil in part for his money/position, to help her family. Cecil seems to relish the elevated station he has over Lucy. Yet, George never tries to control Lucy in the way that Cecil does. Lucy's ultimate rejection of Cecil, breaking the engagement, only seems possible based upon her newfound appreciation for being treated as an equal and for the genuine passion that exists with George.

While it's unexpected that Charlotte (the biggest detractor of George) will later champion Lucy's match with him, that's also why it's a good twist. Also, there is plenty of backstory to explain why Charlotte is the most fitting person to champion this match. We know from hints of Charlotte's own backstory (trading romance gossip with Writer) that she secretly yearns for romance and likely had a compelling encounter of her own long ago that never materialized. Charlotte is potentially the most repressed character in the entire story and has wound up a loveless Old Maid because of it. This is an excellent and subtle means of showing the viewer what bleak future may also await Lucy, should she continue to repress her own desires like Charlotte.
The story arc, in having Charlotte shatter the glass ceiling of Lucy's repressed emotions, is a wonderful means of demonstrating Charlotte's own personal growth. Charlotte finally grasps the rare value of George's open heart, her own repressed shortcomings, and what a richer life this could mean for Lucy.

The very first scene of the movie began with George and his Father offering their room "with a view" to Lucy/Charlotte. Charlotte initially fought to deny this generous gift, but eventually relented. Had Charlotte gotten her way, Lucy would have received an ordinary "room," without the inspiring fullness that comes with a beautiful view of Florence. The ending of the movie, in having Charlotte actively fight to secure a more impressive "view" (a passionate life with George) for Lucy, is an excellent means of bringing the story full circle.

Excellent response! I agree that the Charlotte arc is, on paper, compelling. I just didnt see the signposts of this change of heart, at all. Yes she went around Florence with a novelist but it seemed they were somewhat thrown together by the absence of alternative company.

In terms of Lucy, yes she didnt like Cecil's tightly button company, but she did apparently nothing to reacquaint herself with George prior to his arrival in town and repeatedly implored Cecil to withdraw the invitation for George to arrive in town. Had she had her way she would never have seen George again. Hardly the act of a woman harbouring secret desires and I'm not sure why as a viewer I should have viewed it that way.

Or why Charlotte should have considered that Lucy felt that way and indulged George's presence. Quite why Charlotte also thought man who climbed trees and yelled about beauty and love in public was a good match for any discerning woman was also unclear. Lucy hated the thought of Charlotte coming to visit, and the viewer was invited to assume that was heartfelt. Lucy hated the thought of George coming to town, but we were to assume she was not sincere with that. Yet both were presented to the viewer the same way; Lucy voicing her concerns directly to Cecil. With no additional context to assume which of these statements by her was insincere or confused.

Lucy then rebuffed George when he again forced himself on her in her garden. Admittedly the circumstances of the situation would make her do that, but it didnt come across as her being lustful but simply wanting alternative surroundings. It didnt even come across to me like she was confused, inexperienced or conflicted. Just annoyed at having a man lunge at her in her garden infront of her hubby. I'm all for subtlety in a film, but this was beyond subtlety to me. Being wilfully opaque to make twists more impactful. I'm more inclined to give the actors the benefit of the doubt that the director told them to portray events in the above ways rather than criticise the performances.

@Fergoose said:

Excellent response! I agree that the Charlotte arc is, on paper, compelling. I just didnt see the signposts of this change of heart, at all. Yes she went around Florence with a novelist but it seemed they were somewhat thrown together by the absence of alternative company.

In terms of Lucy, yes she didnt like Cecil's tightly button company, but she did apparently nothing to reacquaint herself with George prior to his arrival in town and repeatedly implored Cecil to withdraw the invitation for George to arrive in town. Had she had her way she would never have seen George again. Hardly the act of a woman harbouring secret desires and I'm not sure why as a viewer I should have viewed it that way.

Or why Charlotte should have considered that Lucy felt that way and indulged George's presence. Quite why Charlotte also thought man who climbed trees and yelled about beauty and love in public was a good match for any discerning woman was also unclear. Lucy hated the thought of Charlotte coming to visit, and the viewer was invited to assume that was heartfelt. Lucy hated the thought of George coming to town, but we were to assume she was not sincere with that. Yet both were presented to the viewer the same way; Lucy voicing her concerns directly to Cecil. With no additional context to assume which of these statements by her was insincere or confused.

Lucy then rebuffed George when he again forced himself on her in her garden. Admittedly the circumstances of the situation would make her do that, but it didnt come across as her being lustful but simply wanting alternative surroundings. It didnt even come across to me like she was confused, inexperienced or conflicted. Just annoyed at having a man lunge at her in her garden infront of her hubby. I'm all for subtlety in a film, but this was beyond subtlety to me. Being wilfully opaque to make twists more impactful. I'm more inclined to give the actors the benefit of the doubt that the director told them to portray events in the above ways rather than criticise the performances.

I'm starting to feel like George now... compelled to convert you towards my truth and make you love Me ("A Room With A View")... in spite of your initial resistance :)

I can certainly see how much of Lucy's outward behavior may look as though she is romantically apathetic towards George. And I do agree with you that Lucy seems quite confused. Each time I re-watch this film, the subtle character traits, the brief looks that they give one another, and the surrounding details seem to underscore George's unique generosity and his rare ability to stimulate Lucy intellectually/romantically. George really is the Renaissance man, full of passion (without being dangerous/harmful), generous, genuine, unafraid of looking silly, and direct in expressing his feelings. While Lucy may not fully appreciate, nor understand the value of these qualities initially, they seem to become more manifest upon her return to England (where indirectness, appearances, and rigid expectations have so much weight).

It's easy to miss how George takes care of Lucy when she passes out, after witnessing the Italians fighting in the street. If George really wanted to force himself on Lucy, he could have done it then. Lucy had been neglected by Charlotte at the time, who was more keen on gossiping/adventuring with the Novelist. George shows real care for Lucy when her only companion has deserted her. Charlotte also kicks Lucy off the picnic blanket in the Italian countryside, so that Charlotte can continue her romance gossip with the Novelist, which leads Lucy to again approach George standing all alone in the meadow. Selfish Cecil would have likely never given up his accommodations in Florence (with a stunning view) to a Stranger, especially after a two minute conversation. This again underscores George/his Father's generosity and well meaning heart.

I agree that Lucy consciously did not want to see George again after the trip to Italy. I also agree that she would not have seen him again, but for Cecil's invitation. There's something revealing about this fact. Cecil was the one to invite George into the house, putting him back within arm's reach of Lucy. My feeling is that this demonstrates how truly out of touch Cecil really is, inviting the passionate Renaissance Man into his home while Cecil is still trying to win over Lucy. Anyone with a clue wouldn't allow someone that romantically threatening into their home, at least until after being married first. I would guess that the reason Lucy is so against seeing George again, is that she subconsciously feels that George (and the feelings she has for George) is a threat to her match with Cecil, and could make a mess of things, which it thankfully does :)

Lucy gains a more vivrant view of the world when she is in George's company. She sees men fighting in the streets of Florence to the death over jealousy. She gets passionately kissed in the beautiful Italian countryside. She sees George playfully running around naked and she has trouble turning away (just as Lucy had trouble turning away the first night she was given George's room). And of course... Lucy is given an amazing view of the city that gave rise to the Renaissance itself.

If we are meant to eventually share a room in Florence (You eventually love this Film), you'll come back to this masterpiece on your own accord, and perhaps embrace it more wholeheartedly :) At which point, I'll call the Pensione for a reservation ;)

Thanks for your patience, but I fear that Firenze will forever be on my Covid unsafe travel list and I'll remain a staycationer in respect of this film.

I accept your points on Charlotte generally a lot more and I'm not contesting that George had passion for Lucy, just that the film didn't succeed (for me) in signposting Lucy's feelings/thoughts. Cheeky young HBC notably also gawked at Lucy's brother's naked form in that infamous scene too, so I'm not sure how much to read into that!