Pick every old-time British actor, multiply by two and you have the ensemble cast of Quartet. The only one who is missing is Dame Judy Dench – but she has already had a go at this sort of ‘seniors’ movie with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Quartet brings together Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, and Billy Connolly as retired opera singers who are called on to sing in an annual concert. They are residents of a retirement home for musicians and singers who are played by an assortment of well-known older British actors.
The story is about the joy of living, good friendships and the potential for rekindled love at whatever age.
Of course, films with large ensemble casts are not new but, in this case, it is a welcome opportunity to see many of our favourite older performers having a rare outing on the big screen.
Maggie Smith is the nominal star of Quartet (there is already talk of an Oscar nomination) and Billy Connolly is the one who will probably draw in the crowds.
But it is Tom Courtenay’s restrained performance and Pauline Collins’ role as a forgetful retiree which you will go away remembering. Collins is best known as Shirley Valentine, and continues to portray beautiful but sensitive women to perfection!
None of these four top-line stars are known for their singing and (thankfully) their singing scenes are skillfully handled.
Of the lesser known ensemble cast, watch for TV favourites Trevor Peacock (from The Vicar of Dibley) and David Ryall as a couple of vaudevillians.
Although much will be made about the film being directed by Dustan Hoffman, he does not display any specific innovative style in his direction. However, this may be beneficial as the film is a simple story which is well told.
The filming locations are very British with the retirement home being set in a grand old home in Buckinghamshire surrounded by magnificent gardens and surrounding countryside.
While Quartet is obviously pitched at more ‘senior’ audiences (particularly those who may have enjoyed The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), this film has plenty to offer a broader audience.
Quartet has many funny moments and gives us a lesson about life for the elderly. As Billy Connolly has been quoted as saying in the publicity for this film, "Don't die until you die – you're alive until the very last second!".
4 out of 5
Quartet Australian release: 26th December, 2012 Official Site: Quartet Cast: Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Sheridan Smith, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtenay, Trevor Peacock Director: Dustin Hoffman
