Looking at an age old problem and all its complexities
Review of “The Father” by Penny Nair Price.
Sir Anthony Hopkins received the Best Actor Award at the 93rd Academy Awards for his portrayal of Anthony – a retired man going through the struggles of old age and dementia. At 83, he is the oldest actor ever to win this accolade. “The Father” – formerly “Le Pere” is adapted from a play first put on in France penned by Florian Zeller who co-wrote the screenplay and was also involved in the film’s directing. The film is 97 minutes long.
Anne – played by Olivia Colman, is the daughter who manipulates the situation of the father losing his mind whilst he tells her he always preferred her sister Lucy who is conveniently out of the picture. There appears to be skulduggery at foot if one follows the story very closely. This results in Anthony being questioned by a Doctor about some information it appears that Anne partook with him which she then denies. So there is dark psychology intertwined in the drama which seems to be intended to “trap” the viewer with confusing and misleading scenes, but in a way which draws the viewer deeper into the story.
Anthony’s watch plays a significant part in the saga as a sub plot where he loses it, hides it, and thinks people have stolen it which reflects symbolically as the meaning of time especially for the old and infirm who are gradually unable to seize the day as they did when young and healthy.
As the film progresses, the viewer feels as though they are looking through the eyes of Anthony by clever trickery from the writers. This deepens the impact of Anthony’s confusion in the film and – like a lot of people his vulnerability is enchanting and understood. Many of us know elderly people who become soft and loveable when they rely on others and are reaching the end of a healthy life. Humour is injected with Anthony playing up to one of a list of candidates who are there to look after him. The fact he always preferred the absent other sister Lucy is also fuel to the drama which Anne herself has to deal with and we do know as an audience about these issues which arise in many of our lives too. The effect is bitter sweet but more bitter than sweet – the softness of a person advanced in years and their vulnerability which is humiliating in the context of this drama. When you see the film, you will also be made aware of the question of who The Father can really trust?
Sometimes similarities can be drawn between early childhood and late old age – for example, the dependence on someone to care for a person in either of these categories. It is food for thought. Old people also tend to be spoken to as if they are “inferior” or “incapable” and “baby talk” can sometimes play a part.
It is the nature of mankind that in old age, confusion in general eventually starts to reign. Perhaps one message we can take out from this film is that scientists need to do more to counteract alzheimers and dementia as we are all living longer these days. This film is multi-layered. As Anthony inevitably “loses the plot” he states, “I feel as if I am losing all my leaves” and weeps.
Some viewers who have happier experiences with aging relatives may be relieved to see the complexities in this story do not reflect their own situations. However this is not always the case. I was going to put in a PS but have decided to make my own comments on experiences with the elderly within the text of this review. Giving quality time and spending quality time with retired people and getting them to network, enjoy trips out, meals in, DVDs pets and crosswords improves their quality of life immeasurably and there must be a way forward where younger people taking part in these activities find it a pleasure rather than a duty. Inevitably we are all going to come to an age where we would appreciate these things ourselves so a way needs to be paved where the elderly are not isolated or bullied by younger people. This only happens in certain countries in the world – especially the Western World.
The soundtrack for the background music is by Ludovico Einaudi with Federico Mecozzi and Redi Hase. It is sensitive, lyrical and perfect for the story.
The film will be released in the UK on 11 June. It was filmed at West London Film Studios and on location in London. Also stars Rufus Sewell, Mark Gatiss, Olivia Williams, Imogen Potts, Olivia Williams, Roman Zeller and Ayesha Dharker. The acting of all characters was stunning and exemplarary. See the film, let it make you think and ENJOY.