The Critic, a 2023 British period thriller directed by Anand Tucker, delves into the dark underbelly of the theatrical world in 1934 London. Adapted from Anthony Quinn’s 2015 novel Curtain Call and penned by acclaimed screenwriter Patrick Marber, the film features a stellar cast, including Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Ben Barnes, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai, and Lesley Manville.
Plot Summary
The Critic is set in London in 1934 and centres on Jimmy Erskine, played by Ian McKellen, a harsh film critic for The Daily Chronicle. The newspaper is now run by Viscount David Brooke, portrayed by Mark Strong, who took over after his father’s death. Brooke wants to clean up the paper’s image and asks Erskine to tone down his biting reviews that can ruin the careers of struggling artists.
Things take a dark turn when Erskine and his lover, Tom Turner (Alfred Enoch), are arrested for homosexuality. Brooke takes advantage of this scandal to fire Erskine and other older employees. In revenge, Erskine hatches a plan to manipulate a young actress named Nina Land (Gemma Arterton) into seducing Brooke. In return for her cooperation, he promises her glowing reviews.
As the plot unfolds, Erskine blackmails Brooke into giving him his job back. However, the situation spirals out of control when Brooke discovers that Nina is also involved with Stephen Wyley (Ben Barnes), his son-in-law. In a fit of despair, Brooke takes his own life.
Feeling guilty, Nina confronts Erskine, but he kills her in a panic to cover up his crime. He then persuades Turner to help him dispose of her body, which is later ruled a suicide. Eventually, guilt leads Turner to confess everything to Brooke’s daughter, the new owner of The Chronicle. This confession results in Erskine’s arrest, highlighting the dangerous consequences of ambition, betrayal, and the misuse of power in the world of art and criticism.
Themes of Power and Corruption
In The Critic, power is a central theme, explored through the lens of manipulation and corruption. Jimmy Erskine, as the most influential theatre critic in London, holds the ability to make or break careers. His acidic reviews are feared, and his opinion carries immense weight, giving him unchecked control over the fate of actors like Nina Land.
Erskine’s downfall begins when he overplays his hand, using his influence not just to critique, but to blackmail and manipulate. His scheme to blackmail Viscount Brooke by leveraging Nina’s affection exposes the lengths to which he will go to maintain his position at the top.
Ultimately, this abuse of power sets in motion a series of events that lead to the demise of several characters.
Reviews of The Critic
As with any film, The Critic has elicited a variety of responses from critics, showcasing a spectrum of perspectives on its narrative, performances, and overall impact. Below, we delve into several notable reviews that capture the film’s strengths and weaknesses.
Review 1: Ulkar Alakbarova
Ulkar Alakbarova commends The Critic for its exploration of the delicate balance between the power of criticism and the ethical responsibilities that come with it. Alakbarova notes that Erskine’s abusive nature and the disturbing dynamics between him and the aspiring actress Nina Land, portrayed by Gemma Arterton, create an unsettling atmosphere throughout the film. The review highlights the screenplay’s thought-provoking nature and the moral implications of criticism, emphasizing the need for mindfulness in exercising freedom of expression.
Review 2: Wesley Hunt
Wesley Hunt appreciates the film’s immaculate production design and strong performances but expresses concern over its narrative direction. Initially establishing a compelling storyline, The Critic takes a sudden turn into melodrama and political thriller territory, which Hunt finds jarring. Despite the film’s impressive writing and humour, he believes it loses its way in the second half, detracting from its initial promise. Hunt ultimately describes The Critic as a film that shines when focused on its protagonist but falters when venturing into convoluted subplots.
Review 3: Trevor Hogg
Trevor Hogg presents a nuanced analysis of the film, pointing out the stage play quality that permeates its narrative. While praising the performances of Gemma Arterton and Ian McKellen, he notes that the film’s engaging premise of criticism and artistry suffers when it delves into melodrama and plot twists. Hogg wishes for a deeper exploration of the relationship between Erskine and Land without the distraction of the ensuing chaos, suggesting that the film’s potential remains unfulfilled as it transitions from a sharp satire to a more serious drama.
Review 4: Ankit Jhunjhunwala
Ankit Jhunjhunwala critiques the film for its narrative inconsistencies and tendency to stray from its central themes. He draws parallels with the classic All About Eve, recognizing the potential for engaging drama within the world of theatre criticism. However, he argues that The Critic loses its focus as it attempts to inject surprise twists, leading to a muddled and ultimately less insightful experience. Jhunjhunwala finds Ian McKellen’s performance entertaining but highlights the film’s broader shortcomings, questioning its depth and engagement with the subject matter.
Review 5: Koom Kankesan
Koom Kankesan highlights the film’s setting in 1934 London, emphasizing the shifting dynamics between Erskine and Land as they navigate their intertwined fates. While he acknowledges the film’s potential to explore the dangers of Erskine’s character, he criticizes the execution, finding the film overly theatrical and lacking in finesse.
Kankesan expresses disappointment in the film’s portrayal of its characters and raises concerns about perpetuating outdated stereotypes. He notes that while McKellen and Arterton have their moments, their performances ultimately fall flat within the film’s uneven narrative structure.
The Critic’s Journey: Behind the Scenes and Across Canada’s Theatres
The journey of The Critic began in November 2020 when it was announced that Colin Firth, Gemma Arterton, Simon Russell Beale, and Paapa Essiedu were set to star in the film, which was initially titled Curtain Call, after the novel by Anthony Quinn. Anand Tucker was tapped to direct, with Patrick Marber writing the screenplay. Filming was anticipated to commence later in 2021, setting high expectations for the project.
However, the project underwent significant changes in June 2022 when it was rebranded as The Critic. This shift came with a notable cast overhaul, as Firth, Beale, and Essiedu exited the production. Joining Arterton in the newly expanded ensemble were acclaimed actors Ian McKellen, Mark Strong, Lesley Manville, Romola Garai, Ben Barnes, and Alfred Enoch, bringing a fresh dynamic to the film. Production officially began in London, marking a new chapter for the project.
The Critic’s journey in Canadian cinemas began with its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7, 2023. Following its TIFF debut, the film was scheduled for a wider release in Canada on September 13, 2024. This staggered release allowed the film to build momentum and audience interest after its initial festival screening, where it garnered attention for its performances and thematic depth, particularly highlighting Ian McKellen’s portrayal of the ruthless theatre critic Jimmy Erskine
Performance Highlights and World-Building
Ian McKellen’s performance is undeniably the standout aspect of The Critic. His portrayal of Jimmy Erskine captivates from the very first scene, showcasing the actor’s remarkable depth and experience.
Every subtle gesture—be it a tilt of his head, a slouch of his shoulders, or the nuanced way he dangles a cigarette—conveys the complexities of Erskine’s character. McKellen masterfully illustrates a man grappling with his fading influence and the lengths he will go to reclaim his status in the competitive world of theatre criticism.
His interactions with his young, Black secretary and lover, Tom Turner (Alfred Enoch), as well as his tense exchanges with the newspaper’s editor and Viscount Brooke (Mark Strong), are expertly crafted, highlighting the intricacies of power dynamics and personal ambition.
Alongside McKellen, Gemma Arterton shines as Nina Land, an anxious actress yearning for approval and a favourable review, while Lesley Manville brings depth to the role of her mother. Despite the thin development of some characters, the performances are compelling and add layers to the film’s exploration of ambition and vulnerability.
The film’s aesthetic is equally impressive, thanks to the world-building efforts of production designer Lucienne Suren. Each setting, from Erskine’s lavish home to the bustling newspaper office, is richly detailed and beautifully lit, reflecting the elegance of 1930s London. The juxtaposition of classic decor with hints of modernist touches creates a vivid backdrop that highlights the tension between the past and the impending changes of the 20th century. The film subtly nods to the political upheaval of the era, incorporating references to fascism and the rise of racial tensions, further deepening the narrative.
However, while the first half of The Critic promises a thoughtful exploration of the power dynamics within the theatrical world, it ultimately falters as the plot veers into melodrama. The intriguing setup gives way to a contrived storyline that strains credibility.
Erskine’s reckless decisions, particularly his interactions in public parks, lead to his arrest and subsequent dismissal by Brooke, which could have been a pivotal moment for character development. Instead, the narrative devolves into a tangled web of coincidences, with characters conveniently connected in a way that undermines the film’s initial tension.
As the film progresses, what begins as a rich exploration of the artistic landscape becomes mired in overly dramatic twists that detract from its original promise. The compelling first half is overshadowed by a lack of coherence in the latter portion, leaving viewers feeling that the journey has strayed into lacklustre territory. In its attempt to amplify the stakes, the film ultimately sacrifices the nuanced storytelling that made its opening so engaging.
Wrapping Up
With a talented cast and a thought-provoking screenplay, The Critic stands as a significant addition to contemporary cinema, inviting audiences to reflect on the ethical responsibilities that come with wielding power in the creative realm. As viewers dissect its themes and narratives, the film promises to spark discussions about morality and the fine line between critique and cruelty, ensuring its place in the cinematic landscape for years to come.