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.
This is a surprising script. Filled with whimsy and an unexpected love story. Gemma Arterton plays two distinct sides of one woman. She is a lonely recluse, working day in and day out on her academic thesis. She was once a free spirit with an open heart. Her performance is stunning. Lucas Bond as Frank is simply darling. He represents a new start for Alice. He cracks her curmudgeonly shell. Through his innocent curiosity, her walls slowly come down. He is extraordinarily perceptive. She shares her studies in folklore. This leads to inevitable magic about the script, highlighting the location, and letting the score shine. His performance is a revelation.
Dixie Egerickx as Edie, Frank’s suspicious classmate is a wonderful addition to the story. She essentially represents both the townspeople and Alice, all at once. Her wit and hardened confidence match Alice at every turn. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is simply lovely as Alice’s long lost love. Their flashback scenes are lush with color and you can almost feel them radiate through the screen.
The screenplay and editing are gorgeous. It hones in on Alice’s abandonment trauma. This explains Alice’s writing. Summerland, mythic pagan heaven. This seems like a perfect escape for her emotionally fraught past. There is a pretty shocking twist that will leave you breathless and more invested in the story than you thought possible. Summerland is a beautiful film that deserves an audience.
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