Review of The Lady in the Van (2015) by Pablo6120 — 28 Sep 2016

“The Lady in the Van”.

Writer Alan Bennet (who also starred in) tells the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman, who wandered London in her run-down van for years. She eventually cons Alan Jennings (Bennett) into allowing her to park the van in his driveway “temporarily”, to avoid disagreements with local residents and the constable. She ends up staying for fifteen years and develops a strained relationship with him.

In this veddy, veddy British comedy-drama, Miss Mary (Maggie Smith) is eventually revealed to us as the former Margaret Fairchild, a gifted young classical pianist, who gives up her promising musical career for entry into the convent. After being institutionalized by her brother, Mary/Margaret escapes, only to be involved in a vehicle accident in which a young motorcyclist is killed. She wrongly blames herself for the man’s death.

Director Nicholas Hytner (“The Crucible”, “The Madness of King George”) provides a critically acclaimed film, although its pacing may seem to lag to some of its viewers. Dame Maggie Smith gives a wonderful performance, furthering her status as one of our most respected and beloved actresses.

If you are in the mood for a quirky, quietly determined film, check The Lady in the Van out.