Filmstars Don't Die In Liverpool * * * *
Filmstars Don't Die In Liverpool is superbly acted, it has a fine script and it is creatively directed. Its a film that respects itself, it's audience and it's subject matter.
Unfortunately its reception has been a disappointment for its creators. In fact it has already been declared a box-office failure. It should have done better but it will probably be forgotten about in a short time, which is somewhat ironic considering its subject matter - a celebrated movie star who is now forgotten about. Rather than giving the world a new appreciation of her, I fear it will more likely share her fate, and it deserves better.
It's a true story adapted from the book by Peter Turner. In the late 70's, early 80's, Peter was an aspiring actor. He was living in a cheap rooming joint when he met Gloria Grahame and became great friends with her. She was nearly twice his age but he fell for her. She had once been in movies with Humphrey Bogart and even won an Oscar. Now she was doing stage work where she can find it.
But Gloria was not only fading in fame she was also fading in health (the title of the film is a bit of a give away there).
The relationship between Peter and Gloria is told to us in flash back and flash forward. The disregard for conventional chronology works well. I particularly liked scene changes given to us as Peter walks through a door into another place and another time. The film is not just set in Liverpool; London, New York and Los Angeles are also featured.
When Peter takes Gloria back to his hometown of Liverpool England ,where he still lives with Mum and Dad and big brother, the family are not even remotely concerned about this older American woman with their young lad. Like Peter they fall in love with her and treat her like family.
It's a touching film and the honesty of their shared love dismisses any criticisms one might have about their age and cultural differences. But this is not a classic romance with beautiful young people and perhaps that is why it has not achieved the success it should have. It has Romeo and Juliet references and to be honest I wish it didn't: I found it a bit of a corny and unnecessary device, especially as Gloria has already presented herself as in her fifties, selfish, deluded, demanding and vain (yes she is still lovable despite this).
The performances are extraordinary. Annette Bening always gets it right and in this role she excels. (It would have been appropriate for her to win an Oscar playing the forgotten actress who won an Oscar). Peter is played by Jamie Bell who most of us as remember as Billy Elliot - all grown up now and a very fine actor.
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It's a true story adapted from the book by Peter Turner. In the late 70's, early 80's, Peter was an aspiring actor. He was living in a cheap rooming joint when he met Gloria Grahame and became great friends with her. She was nearly twice his age but he fell for her. She had once been in movies with Humphrey Bogart and even won an Oscar. Now she was doing stage work where she can find it.
But Gloria was not only fading in fame she was also fading in health (the title of the film is a bit of a give away there).
The relationship between Peter and Gloria is told to us in flash back and flash forward. The disregard for conventional chronology works well. I particularly liked scene changes given to us as Peter walks through a door into another place and another time. The film is not just set in Liverpool; London, New York and Los Angeles are also featured.
When Peter takes Gloria back to his hometown of Liverpool England ,where he still lives with Mum and Dad and big brother, the family are not even remotely concerned about this older American woman with their young lad. Like Peter they fall in love with her and treat her like family.
It's a touching film and the honesty of their shared love dismisses any criticisms one might have about their age and cultural differences. But this is not a classic romance with beautiful young people and perhaps that is why it has not achieved the success it should have. It has Romeo and Juliet references and to be honest I wish it didn't: I found it a bit of a corny and unnecessary device, especially as Gloria has already presented herself as in her fifties, selfish, deluded, demanding and vain (yes she is still lovable despite this).
The performances are extraordinary. Annette Bening always gets it right and in this role she excels. (It would have been appropriate for her to win an Oscar playing the forgotten actress who won an Oscar). Peter is played by Jamie Bell who most of us as remember as Billy Elliot - all grown up now and a very fine actor.
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