Review of My Old Lady (2014) by Carl B — 15 Sep 2014

MY OLD LADY is an Excellent film all around; acting, script, cinematography. It is a French film in English. Slowly and evenly paced to allow the characters to work out deep seated emotional issues. I'm not going to even hint at what those are because it is better to let those things unravel in watching the film. A lot to think about here. And not predictable. Only can reveal that an unsuccessful American writer (Kevin Kline) inherits a valuable property in Paris. He discovers a hitch in his inheritance, an unusual property arrangement in France where a person can buy a property but the original owner gets to live out their life there. The very old lady (Maggie Smith, a grand old dame) living there has no intention of dying or moving. Her daughter (Kristin Scott Thomas) takes instant dislike to the American interloper. Much is to be discovered. Angst to purify love.

Fantastic acting. This is a real movie with character, not a flash in the pan action adventure. No jerky camera movement here. Long even shots. Nice use of Paris scenes, you could enjoy this film just for the photography and sets.