Opinion seems to be divided on whether this film is a touching story of friendship across the age divide or a rather grubby tale of an ageing Lothario having the hots for an 18-year old girl. I think the former view is closer to the mark.
It's the story of Maurice and Ian, a pair of veteran actors (played by Peter O'Toole and Leslie Phillips) whose curmudgeonly daily routine is disrupted by the arrival of Ian's grand-niece, Jessie - supposedly to look after Ian. But she turns out to be something of a lazy slob with a very low opinion of herself.
Nevertheless Maurice is drawn to her and takes her under his wing. He's attracted to the image of youth, beauty and raw sexuality that she embodies, and as he gets older and more doddery their odd friendship deepens.
Peter O'Toole is brilliant. With anyone else I'm not sure if this film would have worked at all. Jodie Whittaker, as Jessie, is pretty good too.
No comments:
Post a Comment