23 April 2018

First film of choice at The Plaza Dorchester tonight - The Leisure Seeker. Yes, it was a slow film but it totally suited the subject and I feel provides food for thought. Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland seemed an odd couple to put together, but this worked. A very credible southern accent and a non-stop chatter actually endeared me to Helen Mirren's character, she has a lot to put up with but the deep seated love for her husband made her carry on and gave her that strength to provide the support for her confused spouse. Wonderful performances in this tender film about the pressures of ageing with an ailing body or an ailing mind. Donald Sutherland plays John who suffers from memory loss and most the time lives happily in a world of his own. Helen Mirren Is Ella who has a tumour and doesn't want to go to treatment she's been checked before. Unbeknownst to their children they then take off in their ancient Winnebago nicknamed The Leisure Seeker. Following the road south to the Florida Keys, they relive their lives through forgotten memories and new discoveries and both relearn and forget things. Many reviews have not been very good for this film, indeed one particular one stated 'two great actors in dead-end roles. What I feel these people have failed to see that this is a story about how ordinary people deal with extraordinary things going on in their lives, it doesn't matter who the stars are, this can happen to anyone, who of us doesn't know someone suffering with memory loss or terminal diseases. This film had moments of humour especially as we witness confusion experience by John as he repeatedly forgot where he was or who he was with. However, we shouldn't feel guilty about laughing at such moments. Laughter can be a good remedy for the helplessness that must wash over you as you face such situations. A very moving and thought provoking film.

When I saw this film recently listed on Netflix, it sounded like a cute roadtrip movie. After all, in the summary, it says "They recapture their passion for life and their love for each other on a road trip that provides revelation and surprise right up to the very end." . What I did not realize was that the film is all about death, Alzheimers and assisted suicide. Because of this, you really should be aware that this is NOT a comedy but a very dark film....very dark indeed. It's also very painful to watch...so beware!

When the story begins, an elderly couple unexpectedly leaves their home. Their son and daughter are at wits end...and you really wonder why they and the neighbor are so upset at their leaving. The scene then switches to the old folks, John and Ella Spencer (Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren) and they're on a road trip in a very old RV...and for much of the time the film seems quirky and charming. However, after a bit you realize that John has severe dementia and later you realize that Ella is dying. What's next? Well, it sure won't be pleasant!!

This is a great example of a very well acted film which I doubt most folks would really want to see. After all, talking about our mortality isn't exactly a crowd pleaser! Plus, some elements of the story might offend many and a few pieces didn't make a lot of sense (such as both nursing home portions)....but that's something you'd need to see for yourself. So, the bottom line is that you might wanna think twice about seeing this one...even if it is very well made. And, if you do see it, try to see it with someone and please take care of yourself...watching the film can be very difficult emotionally.

By the way, the title "Leisure Seeker" is a reference to the name they've given the old RV.

Love Helen Mirren, who is something of a national treasure. Similarly, the subject matter and how the film was advertised (although being in the shadow of other films released at the same time, ones people are more likely to go and see, so was not advertised as much and wasn't done so enough) interested and appealed to me.

While not a great film, 'The Leisure Seeker' to me was a good lovely film and achieved at what it set out to do, in portraying the realities of people's final stages and appreciating people you are with more or even more. For me, it is much better than the mixed reviews it's gotten, don't agree personally that it's wasted by the story or has little to say. Have not read the book, having had no knowledge of it, but regardless of how it compares will compare 'The Leisure Seeker' as a standalone and as an overall film. To me that is a much fairer way to judge, especially when there are films or adaptations that may be bad adaptations of source material but are good to great films on their own merits, old and new.

Sure, surprises are very few, it is a predictable film. Especially the ending, one that is obvious too early and didn't ring true and somewhat contrived somehow to me.

Also felt that the political elements were heavy-handed and not necessary. The accidental joining of the anti-Donald Trump rally is amusing, but for somebody who has gotten sick and tired of constantly hearing about Trump (will briefly say he is one of my least favourite people ever),the political elements was something that the film could easily have done without.

On the other hand, Donald Sutherland and especially Helen Mirren are wonderful in the lead roles and have a very charming and touching chemistry together, their characters very rootable. The rest of the cast are solid, but their characters are nowhere near as interesting as the leads. There is the odd funny moment but lots of heart-wrenching ones, did reach for my tissue pack more than once. The two are balanced beautifully.

'The Leisure Seeker' is very nicely filmed and competently directed, allowing the leads to shine and mixing comedy and drama with little problem. The music fits well and the script not only achieves delivering on both the comedy and drama but also as aforementioned balancing them together. The story is charming, sweet and poignant, with thought-provoking moments and makes one feel inspired and appreciative. What it says may not be much new, but it doesn't not have anything to say. The pace never felt dull.

In summary, lovely though flawed film that is better than given credit for. 7/10 Bethany Cox