GHOSTLIGHT (FILM)

Screenplay by Kelly O’Sullivan

Directed by Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson

Vendetta Films

In Cinemas from October 10

 

 

Reviewed by Len Power 2 October 2024

 

Performing in live amateur theatre, people often discover a tremendous sense of community and even healing as they strive for a common goal. While analysing the characters they are to play or interact with, they can find themselves confronting their own desires and fears.

“Ghostlight”, centres on Dan, a melancholic middle-aged construction worker grieving over a family tragedy. Cut off from his devoted wife, Sharon, and talented but troubled daughter, Daisy, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While moonlighting in a low-rent production of Shakespeare’s tragedy, “Romeo & Juliet”, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.

Touching and at times gently funny, this is a story of a family shattered by tragedy and how they unexpectedly begin to recover.  Real-life acting family Keith Kupferer (Dan), Tara Mallen (Sharon) and Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Daisy) play these family members with tenderness and authenticity. Keith Kupferer gives a particularly intense and powerful performance as father and husband, Dan, a man who initially finds it difficult to get in touch with his feelings until confronted with his onstage character’s reaction to the death of a much-loved person.

Tara Mallen and Katherine Mallen Kupferer as mother and daughter also give fine, believable performances. Dolly De Leon as Dan’s co-star in the play is nicely quirky and strong, while the performers playing unskilled amateur actors struggling to find their characters in the play are both funny and real.

Watching this family coming to terms with tragedy bit by bit is moving and cathartic. It’s quite intense as we feel the pain of these people and share their joy at the end.

The sensitive subject matter is nicely directed with great sensitivity by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, making this a highly memorable film.

 

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

 

GOLDNER STRING QUARTET (CONCERT)

Snow Concert Hall, Red Hill September 28

 

Reviewed by Len Power

It was a bittersweet evening as this concert was a farewell performance by the Goldner String Quartet. First formed in 1995 and named after Richard Goldner, founder of Musica Viva Australia, the founding members of the group are still together 30 years later.

Dene Olding, violin, Dimity Hall, violin, Irina Morozova, viola and Julian Smiles, cello played three masterpieces from the string quartet repertoire – works by Robert Schumann, Carl Vine and Franz Schubert.

The concert commenced with Robert Schumann’s Quartet No. 3 in A major, Op.41 No. 3. Composed in 1842 it was the last string quartet that he wrote. It was followed by the 1994 Quartet No. 3 by Australia’s Carl Vine and Franz Schubert’s Quartet in C minor D810, Death and the Maiden, composed in 1824, was the last work on the program.

As expected, the Quartet gave each of these very different works a superb performance. The clarity of their playing brought out additional depth and colour in the works and it was almost like hearing them for the first time. The exciting finale of the Schumann was especially well played, as was the well-known third movement of the Schubert work. Their playing of all three parts of Carl Vine’s Quartet was electrifying.

Goldner String Quartet

For an encore, they played the second movement of Dvořák’s American Quartet. This work with its exquisite melody was the perfect end for the concert.

Violinist, Dene Olding, gave short informative introductions to each of the works. With his dry humour he mentioned that, although this was Canberra’s farewell performance by the Quartet, they might “do a Nellie Melba”. We can only hope!

 

Photo by Peter Hislop

 

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 29 September 2024.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

THE CRITIC (FILM)

Written by Patrick Marber, Anthony Quinn

Directed by Arnand Tucker

Transmission Films

In Cinemas from October 3

 

Previewed by Len Power 25 September 2024

 

Theatre and theatre critics have always had an uneasy relationship. Reviews of shows are often viewed as a necessary evil. A good review of a show can boost box office takings while a poor review may have the opposite effect. Critics have at times been so powerful, they could make or break a show with a single review.

A cruel personal review may amuse the reader but it can have a devastating effect on a performer. Ask any actor who has received one and they can quote it from memory, even if it was written years ago.

In the film, “The Critic”, a famous and feared theatre critic in 1930s London involves a vulnerable young actress in a blackmail scheme to discredit his employer, the new owner of the newspaper that he writes for. The result is devastating for all concerned.

Ian McKellen plays the critic, Jimmy Erskine. Aware of his powerful position, Erskine feels invulnerable and his behaviour and treatment of those around him is appalling. McKellen gives this character a colourful theatricality that is initially amusing but Erskine soon loses our sympathy as his evil nature comes through. It is an exceptional performance of great depth.

Ian McKellen as Jimmy Erskine

Gemma Arteton gives a fine performance as Nina Land, the vulnerable young actress who is desperate for Erskine’s approval and there is good work from Alfred Enoch as Erskine’s live-in assistant, Tom, Lesley Manville as Nina’s mother and Mark Strong as David Brooke, Erskine’s new employer.

Ian McKellen (Jimmy Erskine) and Gemma Arterton (Nina Land)

“The Critic” is a good film with a memorable performance of pure evil by McKellen. It will certainly appeal to those with an interest in the theatre world and, for others, it has a rattling good blackmail plot with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

 

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.