Another astounding role for Annette Bening (20th Century Women, closing film of IFFR 2017), who plays a 55-year-old Hollywood diva in this stylish production. Once, the flighty Gloria Grahame acted opposite stars like Humphrey Bogart. Now she’s trying to retain her style and charm in shabby, late-1970s Liverpool. She meets a young actor Peter, charmingly portrayed by Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot), and the two have a passionate, yet doomed affair.
The narrative, based on real events, sheds new light on perspectives on women. Even the most liberated actress who resisted the objectifying looks of the old studio bosses, ultimately asks her lover “How do I look?” Wonderful roles for Vanessa Redgrave and Julie Waters as well as a telling scene in which the real Grahame accepted her Oscar. A powerful, tragic portrait of idolised actresses over the years.
Film details
Productieland
United Kingdom
Jaar
2017
Festivaleditie
IFFR 2018
Lengte
105'
Medium/Formaat
DCP
Taal
English
Première status
None
Director
Paul McGuigan
Editing
Nick Emerson
Principal cast
Annette Bening, Julie Walters, Jamie Bell, Vanessa Redgrave, Stephen Graham, Kenneth Cranham, James Bloor