Review of Quartet (2012) by Adrian M — 08 Jan 2013

Not a deep piece even though it deals with issues of aging and loss. The "must save the home" gala concert is of course a cliché, but a deliberate one I am sure, not cynical but ironic, as this film for oldies muscles its way into the enemy territory of movies normally reserved exclusively for the under-30's. A popcorn movie for the older set then. And why not? It certainly does it with a lot more class than most of those in that genre. Like so many of that ilk it does rather telegraph its intentions. The moment I saw Tom Courtenay's reaction to the arrival of Maggie Smith at the retirement home I could write the script from then on, though without the humour, the warmth or the quality, and those are the real reasons for seeing this film.

There was spontaneous applause at the end of my showing, and it seems at many other showings too, and people were watching all the way through the generous credits.

I have seen reviews which accuse it sniffily of being for the "Downton Abbey set". Doesn't work. Wild horses could not get me to watch Downton.

Being able to lay claim the title "oldie", I am grateful for the indignant concern of people who fulminate at the supposed ageism of this film, but I feel they are wide of the mark. I found nothing objectionable or patronising in it at all, and can a 75 year old director and distinctly ageing cast really patronise themselves? It's true that old age isn't for cissies, and if you can't laugh at failing memory, possible incontinence, moments of rage and madness and all the other potential inconveniences of advancing years, there really is no hope.

And in the end hope is what this film is about. So what if the story is a little corny? It's well told with enormous warmth by brilliant actors and that's good enough for me.