SLIFF 2014 Review – A MASTER BUILDER

A MASTER BUILDER screens as part of the 23rd Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival on Saturday, November 22 at 2:30 PM at Landmark’s Tivoli Theatre. Get ticket information here.
It’s the reunion over thirty years in the making. Andre Gregory and Wallace Shawn, the stars of Louis Malle’s 1981 cult hit MY DINNER WITH ANDRE, are together again (briefly) in Jonathan Demme’s version of Henrik’s Ibsen stage classic, that’s been adapted for the screen by Shawn. Oh, and he’s the title character, celebrated architect Havald Solness, who, as the film begins, appears to be on his deathbed. He’s hooked up to machines as sister/nurses scurry about in his opulent estate. As he drifts in and out of sleep, his aging mentor Knut (Gregory) pleads with him to give his work requests to Havald’s eager young intern Ragnar (Jeff Biehl), in order to start his own business and finally marry the old master’s secretary Kaia (Emily Cass McDonnell). But even in his weakened state, Havald is cantankerous and egotistical. Once the trio leaves, Havald’s brusk wife Aline (Julie Hagerty) brings her doctor (Larry Pine) in for a visit. But the cure to make Havald spring back to life lies not in the doctor’s bag, instead it’s provided by a visitor to his home. Twenty-something free spirit Hilde (Lisa Joyce) glides in through the front door. As a child, she was dazzled by Havald when he designed a building in her village. And now she re-unites with her first crush. Havald invites her to stay in a spare room, an unused children’s bedroom, much to Aline’s dismay. The older architect and young admirer spend the next days discussing, life, art, and family secrets.

Demme films the story in long, leisurely takes in order to capture the intimacy of the dialogue-heavy scenes. And, aside from some shots of Havald’s work, everything takes place inside the spacious mansion. Shawn is full of charm, and a bit of lechery, as the invorgated near-invalid imbued with energy by this unexpected guest. Joyce sparkles as the pixie-like, giggly fan , whose motivations are often a mystery. And Hagerty makes a welcome return to the movies as the wife whose stern distraction hides years of heartbreak. All the actors help bring this iconic work vibrantly into the modern era. Demme has given fans of the stage and screen a compelling and captivating gift.