Review of Quartet (2012) by Ben B — 31 Jul 2014
What I really like about 'Quartet' compared to its similar counterpart 'A Late Quartet' is that it does not pretend to be more than it is. 'Quartet' is completely sentimental, but also hilarious.
These things are pulled off well by director Dustin Hoffman and an incredible cast including Maggie Smith as Jean Horton, a former opera star who now resents attention; Tom Courtenay as Reggie Paget, a former lover to Jean who dreads her arrival; Billy Connolly as Wilf Bond, an elderly man with no filter'; and Pauline Collins as Cissy Robson, a forgetful, but well-meaning lady.
What they all have in common... They were in a quartet, a world famous one at that. Sounds familiar? Yes, but this is done much better than the aforementioned 'A Late Quartet.' In 'Quartet,' you have a group of retired performers in a retirement home for those in the fine arts, who have to put on a concert in order to save the home Their zest for life is still shining and that's contagious.
Michael Gambon's appearance as Cedric Livingston provides extra comedy as the director staging the elaborate production. Jean (Smith) arrives and puts everyone on edge. The drama and humor of trying to get her sing again is done tastefully.
'Quartet' is by no means great but its focus on music and fun is hard not to like.
This review of Quartet (2012) was written by Ben B on 31 Jul 2014.
Quartet has generally received positive reviews.
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