By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.25 cats | 4.3 cats
Director: Florian Zeller
Starring: Anthony Hopkins | Ayesha Dharker | Imogen Poots | Mark Gatiss | Olivia Colman | Olivia Williams | Rufus Sewall
Country: france, united_kingdom
Year: 2021
Running time: 97
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10272386/reference
Julie says: “On top of the (never less than) stellar performances by Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, the production design, editing, direction and writing (original screenplay) are all perfectly executed. The way this story is told is very effective in allowing the viewer to experience dementia. I won’t say more other than having experienced something similar with my own father, this is spot on. 5 cats”
Thom responds: “THE FATHER is indeed a strong 5 CATS, a superior rendering of dementia.”
Diane says: “THE FATHER is an adapted screenplay. (As a play it was called ‘a black comedy.’ ???) I would have rather seen the play, which, from what I read, keeps to the father’s perspective. With some of the film from the daughter’s sympathetic POV, I’m left grousing about why none of the carers have basic training in working with dementia patients. 3 cats to balance out great perfs and flawed screenplay.”
Chris says: “It feels somewhat static in its adaptation from the stage; however, that doesn’t distract from Hopkins’ performance which is up there with any great one you’d care to name (even though he doesn’t need my nomination at this point.) 4 cats“