We’re done Halloween and we’re in NaNoWriMo BUT it doesn’t mean I don’t get down time to relax. So, we might need to revamp the list because I need to stick with anything that doesn’t give me ideas for the story. I like to keep anything too wildly creative during NaNoWriMo away just so I know that its my own original idea and plotline. Either way, first up is this one. Its actually perfect for NaNoWriMo since its pretty much relaxing classical opera/music sort of thing. With its older and pretty talented cast, I’m looking forward to it!
Let’s check it out!
Quartet (2012)
Director: Dustin Hoffman
Cast: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Michael Gambon, Sheridan Smith
At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.-IMDB
There’s something really beautiful about Quartet that I can’t describe. It might be the classical music and opera and all that sort of balance in the background that circles are the various cast members. While the story is about mending a damaged marriage and relationship that parted many years ago between Jean and Reggie, it was also about the energy of the retirement house and the passion for an art no matter how old you are. There are some moments that are done so well and the script is done with such artful delicacy to give even the supporting characters so much importance to push the story even more fun to watch. Its even better when the credits roll and we get young performing pictures next to the supporting cast members that were actually part of real live showings in theatres for various pieces.
The main cast here is with some rather colorful characters. We have the two men: Reggie (played by Tom Courtenay) who has this silent gentlemanly charm to him while Billy Connolly’s character Wilf, is more open and straightforward with his words and actions. At the same time, we have a lovable and forgetful Cissy, played by Pauline Collins, who can’t help but just make us laugh a little. While Jean, is played by the remarkable Maggie Smith. I loved her in the Harry Potter movies and in Downton Abbey. She always has to lovely little sarcasm and then a little elegance and in the most unexpected way a sweet and funny way at times. She’s absolutely fantastic. Here is no different. In the retirement home, she breaks out of her little world that she’s used to and she sees these old folks, like Cissy learning these salsa dances which to her is completely crazy. At the same time, this movie reminds us that love really has no age limit. She acts exactly like a first date or feeling nervous about meeting an old love that we’ve never let go of. But its about putting the past behind us and sometimes, stepping up and being more proud of who we are and embracing the person we’ve become. I think that is the main message here.
Quartet is a feel good movie under its little bits of drama, its mostly a comedy with some romantic nuances in it as well. The older cast and location gives this a lovely little twist. The setting itself is pretty nice. This retirement home is located in a big elegant house and its interior design is really nice. Its outside is surrounded by large green fields and forests. All this is paired with some dashing pieces of upbeat opera segments and orchestral music. Its done with so much heart and charm that its hard to no like this even a little. Sure, its a little predictable. I mean, it is a romantic comedy sort of thing but its a different feeling from what it usually is.
Overall, I’d definitely give Quartet a regular viewing, if not for the cast but for the music itself. I guess it might interest me more because I study classical pieces for my theory exams to wrap up my piano certificate. I’ve never been a huge fan of opera but this one has some really lovely pieces that aren’t just opera but there is some really fun variety to it. Its a fun time with a charming cast and its worth every minute of your time. I know its not perfect when it ended but then it doesn’t have to be because I left this one with a big smile on my face and that is what matters in movies, an enjoyable film experience.
Have you seen Quartet? Did you enjoy it?
We’re back so you know what my question is next:
What do you think is the R choice? Hint: Romance/Drama
Tranquil Dreams 