Movie Review: Quartet

Quartet: an enjoyable film directed by Dustin Hoffman.   While the story line is very predictable and Hoffman did not give himself any serious challenges, this is a delightful story featuring a number of elderly British actors and musicians.    The movie takes place in a retirement home called Beecham House that was established for musicians.   The home could be a neighbor to Downton Abbey.   With the exception of the female doctor (Sheridan Smith) assigned to the home, all the major roles are played by individuals who are past 70.    Hoffman is 75 years old.   The lead female character as a famous diva is played by Maggie Smith and she is the new arrival at Beecham House.   In the opening scenes we are introduced to Reggie Paget, played by Tom Courtenay.   Reggie almost married Jean Horton, Maggie Smith’s character, when they were both renowned opera singers.    Jean and Reggie are two of the four singers who performed Verdi’s “Rigoletto”: hence, the film title.   The other two, Cissy, played by Pauline Collins, and Wilf, played by Billy Connolly, are residents of the House.   Collins’ performance is notable as her character has memory loss.   Before Maggie Smith’s appearance, Connolly is the lead actor and in the opening scenes.  Before I got use to his Scottish accent, I thought I was going to miss not having subtitles.   Michael Gambon dominates his scenes as an egotistical maestro.    At the end of the 98 minute movie while the credits are running, you are told the illustrious history of the many supporting players.    It is the supporting cast that gives the film credibility.    I’m not an opera person and the only one I had previously heard of was the soprano Gwyneth Jones.  The movie is adopted from a play, both written by Ronald Harwood.   I’ve not seen the play but my hunch is that except for outdoor scenes of the House’s surrounding gardens, the movie and the play are quite similar.   I’m often asked if the movie needs to be seen in a theater and I often find it hard to answer the question.   This movie plays like a “Masterpiece Theatre” episode and is only slightly longer.   You will enjoy it but the home video version will work just fine.