Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut brings together a top-notch cast of grand British actors, all of old age but none of them showing any signs of deterioration in terms of acting abilities. At Beecham House, a home for retired musicians, the success of the annual concert in celebration of Verdi's birthday is endangered by a new arrival. Jean (Maggie Smith), a diva with a history, has no interest in returning to the stage, but her former co-singers (Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins) and her estranged ex-husband (Tom Courtenay) have to convince her otherwise in order to save their home financially. Trouble is, they too are hindered by the ups and downs of geriatrics, making for many an endearing moment. A fine cast lifts this otherwise mediocre feel-good film to greater heights, though the typical string of 'old folks' jokes and the fairly predictable outcome of past romantic entanglements never make for remarkably emotionally compelling angles. Apart from the use of real (ex)musicians in the supporting cast and their appropriation of the works of the grand classic composers, it's the main quartet of actors that carries the movie and provides most of the fun; Billy Connolly especially as a rather eccentric and cheeky old man, filled with naughty charisma and ever ready for witty, sexually charged repartee, who never stops to hit on every female he encounters, no matter her age. Michael Gambon also delivers some laughs in his role as an insufferable concert planner plagued by short term memory loss and a general obnoxious and insensible loudmouth attitude. Ironically, the final quartet the title hints at, and the movie in fact builds up to, is left out, so we never get to hear just how good of a singers the main characters are, which is a bit of a downer considering the plot keeps boasting their vocal prowess and their acting talent alone is considerate enough to make you wonder just how talented they are in other departments. However, it's clear this movie is not about the quartet itself, but the long and difficult road towards it. And with a good cast, all actors so clearly enjoying themselves to the fullest, plus the plethora of vocal performances already present in the picture, such closure isn't actually warranted.
Review of Quartet
