The Screen Update: The Favourite, Stan and Ollie and Colette
Last week on Screen we had a lot to discuss, especially with all the Oscar-baitey films coming out! So keep reading to hear Stephanie Dale’s, Brian Terry’s and my own opinions on this week’s films.
Stan and Ollie
Brian was up first, reviewing Stan and Ollie for us. And this is what he had to say on this comedy drama:
‘At Stan and Ollie’s heart is a story of brotherhood, art and show business. The movie follows the end of an iconic comedic partnership of comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy (for those who don’t know them, think WWII-era Ant and Dec) and gives an interesting look into the tail end of actor’s careers. However, the film is tied down by an over-reliance on the duo’s comedy style that doesn’t land with modern audiences well.
The plot focuses on the pair as they embark on a tour of England, Scotland and Ireland and must deal with various obstacles such as their unenthusiastic manager and sceptical crowds. In the background Laurel attempts to get a film going despite the pairs waning success which gives a touching sub-plot. Topics such as stresses of showbusiness, close friendships and career fatigue are all covered in a digestible way.
Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly both sell their roles extremely well, creating believable performances with a good script to match. I don’t normally comment on cinematography as I feel its importance is overemphasised, but I must concede that the camera work of the final scene is particularly enjoyable. The one thing which the film falls down on is the humour that is inserted into the film. It’s natural as it’s in the style of the comedy duo and has clearly been attempted to be adapted for modern audiences. It’s not bad, eliciting a smile every now and again but this film isn’t a comedy at heart and shouldn’t have tried so hard with that aspect.
In summary, as I said to Beth on air reviewing this, this isn’t a movie to rush to the cinemas for. It isn’t a movie to see with your friends. This film is best enjoyed on a quiet evening when you have nothing to do but relax, kill some time, and sink into a light-hearted drama about careers too big to sustain themselves.’
Written by Brian Terry
Colette
Following on from Stan and Ollie, Steph gave us a glowing review of Colette:
‘Colette is a biographical drama that tells the story of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (Keira Knightley) moving to Paris to marry Henry ‘Willy’ Gauthier-Villars (Dominic West). Willy’s business is failing. Out of sheer desperation, he encourages Colette to ghost-write a novel for him. Colette puts a part of herself into the semi-autobiographical novel only to have Willy point out the all too ‘feminine’ aspects of it; it is unpublishable. Yet, in a financial crunch, it does not take long for Willy to publish the book, Claudine à l’école.
The book is a huge success! The film reveals how Claudine, the protagonist of the book, becomes so much more than words on paper. The book becomes a franchise inspiring a theatre production and much more. This is where the film decides to focus on Colette and Willy’s relationship. Under a microscope, the cracks begin to show in the relationship as Colette fights for autonomy and what is rightly hers. Colette is an incredibly captivating watch. Director Wash Westmoreland hands us such raw material to process; a relationship and all the intricacies that accompany it.
Colette tells the story of what it means to be a dedicated wife, fighting to claim back a piece of herself. It’s bawdy, representative, feminine, and above all, powerful.’
Written by Stephanie Dale
The Favourite
Finally we discussed the Oscar favourite, The Favourite. Olivia Colman shines as Queen Anne, who is torn between loyalty to her friend and lover, Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), and the temptations of Emma Stone’s character, Abigail Masham.
The film does a fantastic job of exploring these three character’s motivations, personalities and sexuality, whilst creating intrigue and mystery throughout.It would have been so easy to write off Stone’s and Weisz’s characters as the jealous stereotype, but these two actresses really bring their own flair to these women. You feel genuine sympathy for both of them, even though they are on opposing sides, and they balance the drama of the film perfectly.
That being said, I did feel like the trailer suggested the film would be ‘funnier’, more of a dark comedy/satire than an intense drama. I did get the sense that I was watching a very different film than the one the trailer suggested, but I didn’t hate that. I think it added to the uncanny tone of the film and made the twists more surprising.
The final point I would like to make is that this film is beautifully shot. From scenic landscapes, to extreme close-ups to the beautiful costumes, the production behind this film was spectacular and really made it a cinematic experience.
I would definitely recommend you see this film (especially as it will probably be the most talked about in award season). It is arty, but it offers something new which distinguishes it from other biopics and retellings. A truly intriguing film.
Screen is on URY every Thursday at 6pm, so please tune in to hear the news and reviews of the latest films!
Written by Beth Wiffen
Beth Wiffen is a third year English Literature Student who hosts URYs film review show at 6pm every Friday. This goes without saying that she loves all things book and film, and is always up for a chat and recommendations.
