Quartet
*****
As first-time director Dustin Hoffman observed recently on Desert Island Discs, his new film Quartet taps into an often under-utilised sector of the film-going market. With so many films geared towards the young, it's refreshing to come across a movie whose prime target audience is the healthy 60s-70s. Quartet is so good, however, that it should appeal to anyone.
Based in a retirement home for classical singers and musicians, the film stars the genial Reggie (Tom Courtenay), forgetful Cissy (Pauline Collins) and mischievous Wilf (Billy Connolly). An amiable three quarters of a classic recording, their lives are rocked by the arrival of the prima donna, missing part Jean (Dame Maggie Smith) - especially Reggie who has embittered, unresolved, romantic business with her.
The retirement home is struggling financially so the three singers try to persuade the proud Jean to reform the quartet for a fundraising concert. She quite violently refuses though after a lot of grief, relents for the film to move towards a happy ending - refreshingly upbeat without a final death to make it bittersweet as is so common in dramas nowadays.
Quartet is a superb film with fine performances by the four leads and an all-star supporting cast including Michael Gambon as the hilariously vain and snobbish organiser of the concerts and Sheridan Smith as the doctor running the retirement home. The supporting musicians and singers are also touchingly recognised in the closing credits with a then-and-now picture and caption for each one. A moving finale to a superb, feel-good film. It may be aimed at the older generation but is recommended soundly for all ages.
Seen by me. 1/13