Posted by Travis Keune in Drama, Review | 7 comments
Review: ‘When Did You Last See Your Father?’
I knew very little about this movie going into the theatre other than it was based on a true story. Generally speaking, this is usually enough for me to give a film its chance to impress, and quite surprisingly this one did just that … despite Colin Firth. Forgive me, I haven’t yet filled you in on my opinion of Colin Firth. Actually, I really don’t have much of an opinion of him as an actor … which is precisely the amount of unique acting talent he possesses (in my opinion). He’s not bad, but he’s also not good … he’s just Colin.
When Did You Last See Your Father? tells the true story of Blake Morrison (Firth), a writer struggling to come to terms with his father Arthur (Jim Broadbent). Blake’s father is an out-spoken, opinionated man who’s had a rocky relationship with Blake ever since he was a child. The film begins with Blake accepting an award as a writer, a profession by which his physician father has never understood or accepted. Arthur’s attendance of Blake’s award ceremony causes Blake to feel uncomfortable, setting in motion a series of flashbacks that haunt Blake throughout the film. Soon after, the family learns that Arthur is dying of cancer and Blake now struggles with finding a way to make peace with his father, who has his share of secrets.
The film, based on the real-life Blake Morrison’s book, is directed by Anand Tucker. The film is actually very captivating and does a splendid job at creating empathy for the various members of the Morrison family, especially Blake’s mother Kim (Juliet Stevenson). Not once did I find myself “falling asleep at the wheel” while navigating this human drama. Firth’s performance is acceptable, but nothing to rave about … it simply does the job. Its Jim Broadbent’s wonderful performance as Blake’s father that truly steals the glory. Throughout the film, I found myself at one moment despising Arthur for his actions and his lack of compassion for his wife and son, while at another moment I actually feel pity and empathize for Arthur as a dying man who feels he did his best despite his vices. The movie is worth checking out, especially if you enjoy listening to actors with accents as much as I do.
[rating:3/5]
Travis! You have mortally wounded me with your Colin Firth comments! I loved When Did You Last See Your Father, I’ve seen it three times and it still makes me cry. I thought Colin Firth’s role was rather difficult to pull off. It was all about his internal struggle with his feelings for his father. He loved his father, but he also hated him. He couldn’t share those feelings with anyone. Colin Firth has been acting for over 20 years with 35 films completed and currently 8 in the works. He has never been without work, which proves he is better, then a so-so actor. I don’t know how many Colin Firth movies you have seen, but please check out some of his other work such as Where the Truth Lies, Apartment Zero, Another Country, Trauma, Valmont, HBO’s Conspiracy, and my favorite Pride and Prejudice. I think his wide range of performances will pleasantly surprise you.
I hope the wound isn’t too “mortal” … I didn’t say I hated the movie. I actually enjoyed it. I actually didn’t even say I “hated” Firth’s performance, I just wasn’t impressed … as usual. I’ll admit, I haven’t a lot of Firth films. In response to your comment regarding Firth’s number of films and steadiness of jobs being proof of his acting talent … I could really lay into that with various other examples of very busy actors who would NOT fall into my interpretation of highly-talented actors. I will, however, spare you the salt in the “wound” and forego those comments. Thank you for your honest thoughts on the film …
Well I’m still breathing, but barely. I didn’t say you hated the film. I also didn’t say he was “highly-talentedâ€, he just deserves more praise then you gave him. He is a bankable veteran actor with a large female following.
Much as your defense of Colin Firth is enthusiastic, it is apparent that you probably don’t understand the concept of bankability. Having been in 30-40+ films has nothing to do with with bankability. It is the ability to get a film project greenlit based solely on one’s name. If you look at his filmography, he is generally not the lead, but a supporting actor, especially when it comes to major films. In recent years, he’s only be the lead in a few indie projects, most of which have failed to get distribution. But your support and enthusiasm for the actor is noted.
I didn’t mean he is a huge box office draw like Will Smith or is powerful in Hollywood. I meant he can be counted on to pick intelligent meaningful films to be in along with doing fun romantic comedies. We will see how bankable he is to Hollywood after Mamma Mia.
Unfortunately “bankability” means precisely that: a big boxoffice draw and powerful in Hollywood. Merely being one of the cast of a big hit like Mamma Mia! would not give him “bankability.” There are very few actors on whose name alone a project is made. The easiest thing is to not use terms like that when you don’t understand them. Otherwise, nice job.
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