Quartet
Director: Dustin Hoffman
Screeplay: Ronald Harwood
Producers: Finola Dwyer & Stewart Mackinnon
2012, UK, 2h 30m
Cert 12A: strong language
Starring: Andrew Sachs, Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Pauline Collins, Sheridan Smith, Tom Courtenay
Film £5. Doors and bar open 7:00pm, Film 7:30, Supper 9:45
Please book latest by Sunday 12th May – pay at the door.
Bookings: filmnight@rockbournevillagehall.org.uk
or phone: Lucy Matthews 01725 518695
Every now and then the film studios produce a film that seems to have been expressly made for a Rockbourne Film Night. ‘Quartet’ is such a film. Writer Ronald Harwood (The Pianist, The Dresser, Oliver Twist) and veteran actor Dustin Hoffman, directing his first film at age 75, have made just the sort of film that our regulars love. No loud-mouth Americans shouting and no violence, but there is a whiff of sauciness, and loads of humour and heartfelt sentiment.
At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean (Maggie Smith), an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents (Tom Courtney).The home’s resident diva, played by the wonderful opera star Dame Gwyneth Jones is put out by the force of nature that is Dame Maggie… and there follows a ‘will they, won’t they?’ hilarious drama. Supported by Michael Gambon taking a rest from Dumbledore, Billy Connolly, the marvellous Sheriden Smith and some of the cream of British character actors, this is a ‘make you laugh, make you cry’ film about the trials of old age; and great music. With lashings of Verdi, a little G&S, and even a touch of Flanagan and Allen, this is a film to settle down and enjoy.
John Crome
Next film: 19 June: Life of Pi (summer break July & August)