It always feels a bit weird going into a film where you know one of the main characters is going to die. You know that you are bound to cry at some stage. It is always hard for me to get too emotional in these situations as you know the crying is coming so that lessens the impact. I usually get more emotional when I don't know that the reaction is coming. It is always interesting to see how the characters in a film deal with the impending death of their loved one. In this film Arthur gets angry. Despite being such an unappealing character Arthur, you come to understand Arthur and why he is so mad at life and the world for letting his wife get cancer. And even though he is so grumpy and irritating his wife Marion still loves him. The film is not just all doom and gloom as it has many funny moments. There is a great deal of charm and sweetness to the film which makes it really pleasant to watch. But there are also some very sad moments which means you are bound to feel the full gamut with this one. The message I think is that old one of music calming the savage beast.
This may not sound like a compliment but Terrence Stamp has that look and nature of being a grumpy old bastard. He plays that tough side so well. But what also manages to do here is show his softer side as well. It is this soft side which makes us come to love Arthur despite his sometimes mean attitude. Vanessa Redgrave is simply delightful as the title character. She is able to really bring out her characters love of Arthur very nicely. Gemma Arterton is sweet as the choir master. Even if it seemed a little implausible that her character is not very popular. I was really surprised at how good Christopher Eccleston was. Even when playing good guy he has a nasty streak to him. But here he is a really nice guy.
Yes you will need to take tissues with you to see this film. I hope that does not put you off though as it is a very sweet film.
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