Review of Quartet (2012) by Manny C — 11 Feb 2013

You see the gem that is Quartet and you wonder what the hell took Dustin Hoffman, 75, so long to get behind the camera as a director. He's a natural as a filmmaker, no Hollywood bullshit. Hoffman takes everything he's learned from his extraordinary career as an actor, creating amazing characters that ring true and applies it to this incredible debut filled with warm tenderness and real feeling, and terrific performances.

Quartet is touching and funny, and nothing anyone expects. Taken from a play by Ronald Harwood, the film concerns retired opera musicians living a quiet life in the British countryside. Illness abounds, but these folks don't wallow in self-despair.

Enter prima donna Jean Horton (the always amazing Maggie Smith). Tenor Reggie Paget (a wonderful Tom Courtenay) is aghast. He and Jean were married. Very briefly. The bitterness between the two is lasting longer.

The home is also facing a financial crisis unless Jean and Reggie can make nice and team up for a benefit concert with contralto Cissy (a superb Pauline Collins) and baritone Wilf Bond (Billy Connelly, hilarious).

No worries about contrivance, these actors are all at the top of their games, especially Dame Maggie, magnificent as the ultimate diva. Her wit is as sharp as it is on Downton Abbey. Hoffman wisely allows cinematographer John de Borman light her as she's just standing still, exuding timeless beauty and an unbeatable spirit.

Hoffman too is celebrating that human resilience, making his Quartet sweet, beautiful music.