Nicholas Searle's fine novel THE GOOD LIAR has been adapted for the screen by Jeffrey Hatcher (Mr. Holmes, episodes of Upstairs Downstairs, The Mentalist, etc) and with two of the most distinguished actors of the day, Bill Condon directs a memorable film.
It is a pleasure to see two senior actors take full control of an entire film and make it ring. Though the opening half hour or so tends to be a bit tedious, the movie picks up speed about half way through and thunders to a fine climax - a surprise set of twists and turns that are unexpected and completely credible.
Very briefly, 'Roy Courtnay' (Ian McKellen) is a con artist - and a good one! - who works with his confrere Vincent (Jim Carter) to barter fraudulent deals with wealthy men - and women, as we discover when he plays a physically needy gentleman caller to Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren), prepping her for yet another shady deal to win her fortune. Their chemistry is palpable until Betty's 'grandson' Stephen (Russell Tovey) becomes dubious about Ray's qualifications and sets out to barricade the incipient 'relationship.' But secrets arise that explain the reality of the characters of the story, secrets that explode Ray's world of lies. And to say more would be a major spoiler.
With a fine supporting cast the varying locations of the story seem real and the quality of acting is top notch. It is refreshing to spend an evening in awe of McKellen and Mirren - and a story that is guaranteed to surprise. Recommended.
It is a pleasure to see two senior actors take full control of an entire film and make it ring. Though the opening half hour or so tends to be a bit tedious, the movie picks up speed about half way through and thunders to a fine climax - a surprise set of twists and turns that are unexpected and completely credible.
Very briefly, 'Roy Courtnay' (Ian McKellen) is a con artist - and a good one! - who works with his confrere Vincent (Jim Carter) to barter fraudulent deals with wealthy men - and women, as we discover when he plays a physically needy gentleman caller to Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren), prepping her for yet another shady deal to win her fortune. Their chemistry is palpable until Betty's 'grandson' Stephen (Russell Tovey) becomes dubious about Ray's qualifications and sets out to barricade the incipient 'relationship.' But secrets arise that explain the reality of the characters of the story, secrets that explode Ray's world of lies. And to say more would be a major spoiler.
With a fine supporting cast the varying locations of the story seem real and the quality of acting is top notch. It is refreshing to spend an evening in awe of McKellen and Mirren - and a story that is guaranteed to surprise. Recommended.