2015 did see quite a good number of good and more Hallmark films, such as 'Surprised by Love', 'A Country Wedding', 'Cloudy with a Chance of Love' and 'All of My Heart'. It did also see some duds, like 'Merry Matrimony', 'Love by the Book' and 'A Wish Come True'. Despite hearing and seeing a lot of negativity for 'Portrait of Love' (or 'Heart of the Matter' for some others), the premise did sound very cute and had potential to be if done reasonably well at least.
'Portrait of Love' for me did not execute its premise well at all and is one of the duds of the 2015 Hallmark output. Is it a complete mess? No it isn't with it having a few good things, and it does take me a lot to call anything that these days. Is 'Portrait of Love' a hugely flawed film? Very much so and there is not very much to add to what has been said already. There is very little to it and came over as very weak in most areas, well in fact in almost all the most crucial ones.
The best thing about 'Portrait of Love' is Bree Williamson. She gives her role a pleasant energy without ever trying harder than necessary, while also being quite subtle in an expressive way. Corbin Bernson deserved more to do, but made the most of what he had.
Also thought that the scenery was beautiful and nicely shot.
However, a lot didn't work. Personally didn't care for Jason Dohring, who underplays and also comes over as wooden and perpetually frightened. Have no doubt he is good elsewhere, but with a character so badly written there was no way he would come off well. Did not like his character at all, far too insecure, whiny and immature that it makes one wonder what Williamson's character saw in him. The film also makes little effort to develop their relationship, which is basically only just there with nothing to it. The supporting cast are on the whole flat, though Caitlyn Carmichael is incredibly annoying and bratty so stands out in the opposite way.
Direction lacks any kind of distinction and there is nothing memorable or interesting about the music. Script is awkward and goes overboard on the cheese and schmaltz. More could have been done with the setting, nice idea but underused. The story is very formulaic, meaning that everything is obvious long before it happens, is far too thin which affects the pace and lacks charm and energy. Dull and bland are the two main adjectives to describe 'Portrait of Love'. The characters are too one dimensional and also on the dysfunctional side, with a heavy-handedly negative emphasis on commitment.
In summary, pretty bad. 3/10.
