Director: Israel Horovitz
Actors: Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith
Writer: Israel Horovitz
Country: USA
Runtime: 107 min
Rating: PG
As a fan of theatre, I am often disappointed when I am unable to view a great play up on the stage, and a film adaptation of the work is often the next best thing. Playwright Israel Horovitz’s film My Old Lady (2014) is an adaptation of his 2002 play of the same name, which met with success worldwide. Now, this prolific writer makes his feature film directorial debut and brings his story to an even wider audience. The script is sharp, prompting an audience to think about all that the characters are saying. However, I believe this tale to be an example of one that may be beloved on the stage, but is not destined to become so on the screen.
When New Yorker Mathias (Kevin Kline) inherits a Parisian apartment from his deceased father, he believes that he will be able to make a quick and easy sell. What Mathias does not count on is the fact that the elderly Mathilde (Maggie Smith) and her daughter Chloe (Kristin Scott Thomas) inhabit the viager apartment and have no legal reason to leave until the former’s death. As Mathias does his best to convince them to vacate, he begins to learn things about Mathilde, Chloe, and his father that he never dreamed possible.
The incredible Maggie Smith shines in what may not be the lead but is undoubtedly the starring role of this play turned film. Unfortunately, the usually impressive Kline and Thomas appear a bit listless beside her wit and timing, and their performances overacted beside her understated prowess, so that an audience may wish to only view scenes in which Mathilde appears. Mathilde reminds us of the spirited elderly that we all know, and it is easy to imagine her as a real live person. Mathias and Chloe have potential as characters, yet are let down by actors who may not be used to the challenges associated with stage acting, even when it is presented in film form.
Since this movie is based on a play, it naturally becomes a very dialogue heavy work as it progresses; once the initial conflict is introduced, not much else happens, allowing lengthy discussion from the characters. In live theatre, it is often fascinating to watch actors interacting in such a manner right in front of you, but in film and without the proximity, one may wish that a little more was going on. However, the film was able to capture the feel of Paris in a way that the play imaginably could not, using location shots and allowing Mathias to wander right through its streets accompanied by a French inspired score.
My Old Lady may set up to be a comedy, but it is in reality a very serious and rather dark work. I would jump at the opportunity to view this play in a live theatre, with the feisty Mathilde doing verbal battle with city-slicker Mathias as a relationship develops between him and the sharp-tongued Chloe. Unfortunately, the play was not quite as engaging as could have been hoped for in the form of film, and offers just a tantalizing taste of what could be experienced if one had access to the live show.
