Review of Quartet (2012) by Jakob V — 06 Jan 2013

Failed to meet expectations. The plot is slight, and the quality of the acting cannot make up for this. Of the titular quartet, Billy Connolly comes out best as a spritely old man behaving badly. Maggie Smith does little to show her range or qualities, other than a little gentle sobbing.

Tom Courtenay does his best to act hurt and dignified. Pauline Collins is her usual gentle, submissive and slightly dotty self. There is strength in the supporting cast of actors, singers and musicians.

Michael Gambon is at his arrogant annoying best,. The direction is straightforward and gives a pretty true and unsentimental picture of aging and institutional living. What the film lacks is more emotional peaks or troughs for the fine cast to navigate.