And when did you last see your father ?
Cert 12 1hr 32 mins
Dir: Anand Tucker
Adapted from writer Blake Morrison’s autobiographical novel about the weeks leading up to his father’s death from cancer, this is very moving story but without a hint of melodrama. Told through a series of clever flashbacks covering Blake’s life as he grows up, it is funny, embarrassing and at times very upsetting. Indeed, such is its power and realism that it manages to portray perfectly the hidden conflicts that affect so many families. And the further it progresses the more I was reminded of the words of Philip Larkin; “They f**k you up your mum and dad” and nowhere is that more true here exemplified by Arthur’s childish desire to humiliate his son, his inability to offer praise or to let his son win.
Colin Firth (as the older Blake) and Jim Broadbent as Arthur (his father) are both excellent. As is the film which for me is crystalised by the scene in which Arthur finally dies. Even though this man has behaved appallingly for much of his life, and is thus deserving of little sympathy, the reaction of his wife (Juliet Stevenson) and the way it is shot, is perfect. And you too are filled with sorrow, even though much of what you have just watched makes you want to shout out ‘you bastard’. To my mind that takes a lot of doing.
Rating: 4/5
CA
