The Critic

⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)

What a novel concept, the critic as the villain. Curtain Call is Anthony Quinn’s 2015 novel, and it finally gets its film adaptation. This story exposes how unchecked power can cause a multitude of problems. Yet, when the theatre is involved, there is a guarantee that things will apply to the dramatic side of humanity.

Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is a merciless reviewer of the theatre in the 1930s and is feared by every producer, director, and actor on the stage. His words can lead to the detriment or success of any production with each turn of phrase in his reviews. He can remain in his position as long as he appeals to the newspaper readers and stays in the good graces of management. Despite his alcoholic tendencies and homosexuality, Jimmy lives out his eccentric lifestyle with flair and flamboyance. That is until the paper’s owner dies, and David Brooke (Mark Strong) takes over for his father. He aims to make changes amongst the writers, and Erskine is in the new owner’s sights. This leads the critic to put a devious plan into action involving blackmail and the beloved, beautiful actress Nina Land (Gemma Arterton).

To critique the twisted tale of deceit and selfish ambition could be problematic since it could be misconstrued as a review of the profession more than the film. Yet, this storyline is less about the life of a critic and more about the inner workings of the human heart. Director Anand Tucker (Leap Year) has managed to bring Anthony Quinn’s novel to life by illustrating how ambition and fear can lead people to make devastating decisions that negatively affect the lives of all involved. A world where every appealing character is victimised, and those who perpetrate these dastardly actions are left to pay the price for their evil choices.

Within this dark narrative, one stand out is Ian McKellen’s investment in this character. He conveys that he enjoys the villain role and takes Jimmy Erskine to the uncomfortable depths of humanity. Everyone else is merely a pawn in his vicious game of manipulation and power. This leaves Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, and Ben Barnes to be mere bit players in the grand scope of the film. All the while leading the audience down a tragic and distasteful path that leaves no one as a winner. The Critic is a difficult movie to enjoy despite a committed cast and enough twists to keep anyone’s attention until the fateful ending.

REEL DIALOGUE: Selfish ambition

The moral conundrum in The Critic comes down to making the right decisions in life. Especially those choices that have a direct and long-lasting impact on other people's lives. From Jimmy Erskine’s choices to blackmail to Nina Land’s decision to be part of it all to David Brooke’s choice to take the bait within the trap, this film is a series of misguided life choices. Each person must wrestle with fear, selfishness, lust, worry of loss, and the eventual consequences of their life choices. Which begs the question: How do you make good life decisions?

The Bible offers methods that involve God as the means of finding wisdom in all things through the study of the Bible, prayer, and getting counsel from godly men and women.

Proverbs 3:13-18 - Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

If you would like to discuss ambition and God, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.