Considering the star power in this flick, I’m surprised The Critic (2024) didn’t get wider distribution when it first came out and it’s hard to find on streaming now. I stumbled across the movie on a transatlantic flight and found this dark 1930s tale an enjoyable way to pass the time.
Ian McKellen chews the scenery as snobbish, egotistical drama critic Jimmy Erskine, who’s dominated the London theater scene for ages. His latest review eviscerates insecure, no-longer-ingenue actress Nina Land (Gemma Arterton), much to the irritation of her nosey mother (Lesley Manville). Erskine’s new newspaper boss, David Brooke (Mark Strong), has a mad crush on Miss Land, so isn’t all that fond of Jimmy’s poisoned pen — nor his tendency to get caught for indecency with other men in the parks at night. The story also touches on the rise of fascism in 1930s England, entwined with racism and homophobia, but blackmail is the real name of the game.
The 1930s costumes by designer Claire Finlay-Thompson are sharp and appropriate to each character, and we get tantalizing glimpses of some unusual stage outfits worn by Nina Land performing. Like this slinky bias-cut gown in white satin for her first performance:
Which is wildly topped by this dark blue (?) pleated standing frilled collar:
Nina’s mom isn’t quite a pushy stage mother, but she does butt-in at the theater (wearing a nicely accessorized red outfit):
And again at the boarding house where Nina lives. Nice plaid frock and hat!
Nina’s wardrobe is small, but well chosen. She wears this red dress to visit Mr. Brooke at his office. Notice the delicate trim along the scalloped edges of the sleeve capelet.
Later, she wears a deceptively elegant evening gown. From the front, it’s rather high-necked with just the tiniest beaded trim.
But, as was so typical of this period, the back plunges down, exposing lots of skin.
Which is covered up for a walk of shame!
Have you seen The Critic?
Find this frock flick at:
Ooh, this looks great- and, I imagine, covers personal territory for SIr Ian
I, too, watched it on a trans-Atlantic flight (thank you, Virgin; you always have good movies and telly). Quite enjoyable and worth watching on the big screen, if only for some gorgeous frocks and pretty good hair-and-make-up. And for Sir Ian and Lesley, who really deserves to be a Dame.
I had the good fortune to meet Ian McKellen when he was performing King Lear at Brooklyn Academy of Music back in 2007(?). He was so sweet and adorable! :)
Man, picking a fight with characters played by Lesley Manville AND Gemma Arterton is courting your own doom, it really is.
Also, I’m keeping a lookout for the first hint that somebody has tried to cast Ms Manville as Miss Marple – I suspect she’d be really good in the role (Especially if somebody points out that THE Little Old Lady Detective is always much, much more fun when played as an extremely nice lady with a bad habit of chasing some vicarious thrills through her sleuthing … also GOSSIP).