Stylish Films: The Critic
It has had somewhat mixed reviews, but I have to say that I absolutely loved The Critic. Not only does it make 1930’s London look beautiful, but it is stylish, superbly acted, and has a lead performance to savour from Sir Ian McKellen. It is wonderful.
The Critic is almost a Faustian tale. It concerns Jimmy Erskine, the most respected, and feared critic in theatre land. Jimmy won’t be kind when he can be wicked, and his reviews are legendary. He works for the Daily Chronicle (based in the most incredible Art Deco building) and is a favourite of the owner. But when the owner dies and is replaced by his more puritanical son, David Brooke, Jimmy’s role is under threat. He is homosexual, at a time when this is illegal, and is also non discreet. When he is arrested, along with his lover/secretary, Brooke wastes no time in getting rid of him.
However, it seems Brooke has an Achilles Heel, an infatuation with a beautiful actress Nina Land. Land has been at the mercy of Erskine for years, with bad review after bad review, but now, if she joins forces with Erskine, she may just be able to turn the tide. But, at what cost, to her, to Brooke, and to Jimmy himself? This is the devil’s pact.
The Critic is absolutely delicious due to the callousness of its charismatic leading man. Sir Ian absolutely revels in this role as a literary monster who believes he is the story, bigger and more important than any role and any actor. He plays this with a relish that almost makes you route for him, despite the way he treats everyone around him. There is still a smidgen of vulnerability there, like when he explains to Nina why he likes ‘rough trade’ in the park, but generally Jimmy will step on anyone to keep his position safe.
As the beautiful Nina Land, Gemma Arterton continues to show why she is one of the best actresses of her generation, showing the desperation, the ambition and ultimately the shame of an actress trying to win the approval of the one person who won’t give it. Lesley Manville is fine as her mother, but is also a little underused, and the same could be said of Romola Garai as Cora Wyley, the daughter of Brooke who just happened to be the wife of Nina’s artist lover, Stephen. Mark Strong and Ben Barnes round out the cast as the two men who are both entangled with Nina, making London seem like a small town rather than a large, cosmopolitan city.
The Critic is a great watch for those who are fed up with Marvel movies, and never ending remakes and sequels. It is an adult film, with adult themes and great performances. Definitely a go see.
fashion-mommy
Welcome to the world of fashion-mommy, a world of fashion, lifestyle, theatre and fun. Enjoy the ride.