I glimpsed Jeremy Irons by sheer coincidence in Kensington Park, London last week. Out walking his dog, he was wearing a long overcoat and a pair of muddy boots. He had the relaxed air of an Englishman who thoroughly enjoys the countryside... he can't but have delighted in the beautiful sunsets over Lake Orta, while here in our area last Spring to star in Giuseppe Tornatore's latest film, due to appear in cinemas shortly.

"The Correspondence" was filmed entirely in English and apparently the main actor did his audition via Skype. In any case, the film, starring the British actor and Olga Kurylenko (former Bond girl) tells a tale of love based on long distance messages.

The locations chosen by the film director from Bagheria alternate between rainswept Scottish landscapes and the romantic setting of the Island of San Giulio. Winding passageways, an antique patrician dwelling, the calm waters of the Lake Orta combined with the morning haze create a melancholic, evocative atmosphere.

Filming in the old town of Orta went on for a few days and also featured some locals as extras. The film crew, the scenes, sets and props, the vans with the technical equipment brought a pleasant stir in the tranquil life of the town. Let's not forget that the soundtrack (including the unceasing tinkle of the mobile phone) was provided by the ingenious Ennio Morricone, who recently won a Golden Globe award for the score of the new Quentin Tarantino film.

So much stardust so near La Darbia…