Review of Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005) by Anthony S — 06 May 2006

If there is one thing I can't stand, it's a pointless muff shot. Yeah, you read that right. A pointless muff shot. You, the moviegoer, are minding your own business, maybe even thinking, "Hey, this movie is pretty good!" And suddenly, POW! instant uncomfortable moment. And all you can think is, "Why is so and so naked?" (followed closely by "I wonder who does her waxing.") On behalf of all women, I have to say that I find it all rather insulting. I'm not a prude, nor am I afraid of nudity. I just think that there should be a point to every single nude scene. There should be a certain dignity and grace to it. Why? Because the whole world is going to see it.

And Mrs. Henderson Presents addresses this very issue. The female body is alternately a work of art and an instrument of allure. (Breasts are attractively-shaped symbols of motherhood. Boobs are fun to jiggle.) Females are the reason that peacocks flash their tail feathers and male gorillas beat their chests. The entire origin of the human race was defined by the allure of the female form. So, why not use that appeal to keep a theater in business? It makes perfect sense.

Mrs. Henderson's husband has just died, and she (played by the wonderful Dame Judi Dench) decides to put her money to use and buy a theater. She hires Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to manage the theater for her. For a while, they are a success, but when several copycat competitors steal their idea for a nonstop musical revue, they are forced to find another way to keep the customers coming back. Enter the nude girls. The challenge is, of course, to convince the Lord Chamberlain (Christopher Guest) that the women will stay completely still so that they will appear as works of art and not jiggling hussies. It's an instant success.

Then, World War II begins. There is a certain level of danger involved with keeping the theater open, but it provides jobs to some otherwise destitute performers. And it brings in customers in the form of soldiers who will soon be shipped off to the front.

Mrs. Henderson Presents is a thoroughly enjoyable film. The characters, while still maintaining a level of mystery, carry a depth that could have been easily lost in a sea of flashy musical numbers (see Moulin Rouge). There are instances where, in lesser films, a melodramatic sobfest would have ensued. For instance, when Mrs. Henderson stands up before the crowd of soldiers who are there to see the show, and talks about the son she lost in World War I. And why his life and death are why she and everyone else needs the theater to stay open during the most heated part of the war.

My favorite scene (run away if you hate spoilers) is the one where the girls are rehearsing in the nude for the first time. And Van Damm is trying to convince them that their bodies are what nature gave them, that there is nothing to be ashamed of. So, in order to help them feel more comfortable, everyone in the room is asked to disrobe. EVERYONE, including Van Damm himself. The result is surprisingly more reminiscient of children in the bathtub than something dirty. It is an excellent scene.

Mrs. Henderson maintains its dignity at all times, and the result is truly wonderful. I give it 8/10 only because, although I saw all of Bob Hoskins, I don't feel that I saw enough of Van Damm.

**And now, some thoughts on Dame Judi Dench. Could she be any more fantastic? If I were a man, I would be a Dame Judi Dench drag queen. Judi Dench tops my list of BEST DAMES EVER, followed closely by Dames Julie Andrews, Maggie Smith, and Helen Mirren. I have to say that I was offended on her behalf when, during the Oscars, she was referred to as a "Great Dame." Please, people, enough of the "dame" puns. This woman is beautiful and utterly fabulous. Daniel Craig's Bond to her M doesn't stand a chance.**.