THE CRITIC
Years of notoriously harsh criticism result in a pending forced retirement for Jimmy Erskine, chief drama critic for The Daily Chronicle. When the end of his career and one actress’ daring confrontation change his life, a stealth proposition takes advantage of weak hearts. THE CRITIC manipulates the audience in a way that is bold and devastating.
Lush cinematography and lighting immediately draw you into the narrative alongside McKellen’s iconic voice. From the costumes to the jewel-toned sets, it’s a period drama fans dream.
Mark Strong delivers a heart-wrenching performance as David Brooke. His palpable vulnerability pours off the screen. He is captivating. Gemma Arterton gives Nina Land noble fierceness matching McKellen’s presence. Like most of us with the acting big hardwired into our DNA, Nina seeks approval. But her adoration from Erskine comes with a caveat: seduce the paper’s new proprietor in return for rave reviews.
Sir Ian McKellen is vicious and brilliant. Playing Jimmy Erskine, he is a rather vile curmudgeon who revels in taking down enthusiastic artists and their work. Jimmy is an unapologetic diva. The fear he leaves in his wake destroys careers with the stroke of his pen. McKellen succeeds in making audiences adore a genuine villain.
Director Anand Tucker and writer Patrick Marber skillfully steal the plots of Nina’s stage versions for Erskine’s personal use. Shakespeare would love Jimmy Erskine. Audiences will love to hate him. “The plays the thing,” as they say. THE CRITIC is the epitome of this very notion.
In Theaters September 13, 2024!
Directed By: Anand Tucker (Hilary and Jackie, Shopgirl)
Written by: Patrick Marber (Closer, Notes on a Scandal)
Starring: Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, Gods and Monsters), Gemma Arterton (Prince of Persia, Byzantium), Mark Strong (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone), Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter), Romola Garai (One Life), and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread)
Produced by: Jolyon Symonds, Bill Kenwright and David Gilbery
Executive Produced by: Mark Gordon, Zygi Kamasa, Naomi George, Tom Butterfield and Harry White
London, 1934. Jimmy Erskine (McKellen) is the most feared theatre critic of the age. He lives as flamboyantly as he writes and takes pleasure in savagely taking down any actor who fails to meet his standards. When the owner of the Daily Chronicle newspaper dies, and his son David Brooke (Strong) takes over, Jimmy quickly finds himself at odds with his new boss and his position under threat. In an attempt to preserve the power and influence he holds so sacred, Jimmy strikes a faustian pact with struggling actress Nina Land (Arterton), entangling them and Brooke in a thrilling but deadly web of desire, blackmail and betrayal.
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