You don’t expect a film about a character with dementia to be haunting, but there are moments in ‘The Father’ that literally gave me chills. It’s not because this is a horror film, it’s because the movie tells parts of its story through the point of view of the character, and we see, I think for the first time to this degree in a movie, how scary and weird life as a victim of the disease can be.
What makes ‘The Father’ a great film is the way it turns your expectations upside down. There have been some good films that present characters dealing with dementia, but we’ve almost been conditioned to expect a “Hallmark Movie” vibe. Director Florian Zeller, adapting his stage play, is having none of that. There is real and raw emotion and there is heartbreak, but it comes through amazing performances and this very excellent screenplay – not through treacly gimmicks.
Everything hangs on the central performance of Anthony Hopkins, playing an 80 year old man of some means, living independently in a well-appointed London flat. He once was a respected man in his field, and now is angry and confused by his diminished capacity. He’s stubborn and his devoted daughter (Olivia Colman) can’t keep care-givers employed for long- they can’t handle her father’s withering commentary and refusal to cooperate.
Colman, as amazing as you’d expect, is in the tricky spot (as an actor) of playing frustration, profound sadness, cheerleader and the need to have a life of her own. Again, Zeller has written characters who are multi-dimensional.
And Hopkins, who I can tell you from several personal encounters, is a kind man but utterly unsentimental, doesn’t play a single false note. I don’t know if it’s because Sir Anthony is the same age, same birthdate and same name as the character he plays, but it feels like this role has a foundation deep inside the no-bullshit man we have watched onscreen for 40 years. I don’t think any actor displayed this level of craftsmanship all year.
As for the parts that gave me chills- I don’t know if other reviews will give it away, but I will not. I’ll just say that seeing a stranger in your house will always give you chills.
4 out of 4 Stars. Reviewed by Kyle Osborne. CLICK: Currently in New York and LA theaters, expanding nationwide March 12, and then on video on demand March 26)
