Mrs Henderson Presents

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 11/25/05 at 1:58pm

Is there any buzz about this film in the US? I see it's opening in limited release on December 9th, when the whole of the US is going to be watching Narnia or Brokeback Mountain, then opening wide on December 25th. That day is, I thought, considered the prime day to release "award" films. So I was wondering if there was any buzz.

It opened in the UK today and I saw it this afternoon. It's the true story of Mrs Henderson (played by Judi Dench) who, after her husband dies, buys a theatre and stages Vaudeville style revue shows. When the whole of the West End copies her and steals her business, she breaks new ground by putting naked women on stage in the revue. Bob Hoskins plays her long suffering manager and Kelly Reilly is the star of the show. In more ways than one.

It's total fun for the vast majority of the film, with Dame Judi on fine comic form, armed with some endlessly quotable asides. But then the Second World War encroaches on the joy (the film covers the years 1937-41) and the film takes a more dramatic and on occasion grandstanding turn. I do wonder how Bob Hoskins gets work though.

Kelly Reilly, who is currently unknown in the US I believe, is wonderful as the girl who is "discovered" and goes on to be the main naked attraction. She has been steadily making a name for herself in the UK with a string of TV roles and some highly acclaimed stage roles (I have seen her on stage in 4 different shows and she has been remarkable in all of them, particularly in the title role of After Miss Julie). While this isn't the role that's likely to win her a bucketload of awards, hopefully people will sit up and take notice.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/25/05 at 1:59pm

She's predicted to get an Oscar Nom. I saw a preview during Rent the other day, and it looks like a great film.
Updated On: 11/25/05 at 01:59 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 11/25/05 at 2:03pm

It has gotten some Oscar buzz--early predictions held a Best Picture nomination, but I think that has changed. Maybe not.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 11/25/05 at 2:08pm

Hmmm. Not sure it's quite best picture material (though it will undoubtedly sweep the Baftas) as, as much as I enjoyed it, it didn't QUITE add up to the sum of its parts. I was also bemused by Will Young (the UK's answer to Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the first Pop Idol) getting third billing in the opening credits and then not being in the film that much.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/25/05 at 2:46pm

It looks REALLY hysterical...this year's answer to last year's BEING JULIA.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 11/25/05 at 3:10pm

Plus it is nice to see Christopher Guest again

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 11/25/05 at 3:47pm

It is indeed very very very very very funny. It has less success when it aims for poignant though.

[Plum]

Posted: 11/25/05 at 3:54pm

I keep staring at the posters for this when I pass them in the tube, because the incogruity of Dame Judi Dench and a bnuch of girls wearing not much more than feathers always manages to be brain-bending.

Posted: 11/25/05 at 4:06pm

I saw the trailer just this afternoon, and it looks like a lot of fun. I am looking forward to seeing it.

[pattifan2]

Posted: 11/27/05 at 2:16pm

Thought you would have seen this Poppy so bumping your thread as I went this afternoon. I thought it was a gorgeous film and Judi is 'delicious' to use Mrs. Henderson's favourite word. I've been thinking who else could have done this role and I seriously couldn't come up with anyone. She's a real minx - mischievous, funny and poignant. Loved the scene in the tent when she serves lunch to the Lord Chamberlain. I thought both actors handled their dialogue brilliantly. I did think it slowed up a little part-way through but was soon back on track. I agree about Kelly Reilly. She's a great stage actress and lovely to see her bring some depth to what was, essentially, an underwritten character. She'll be more known to US audiences after playing Bingley's sister in 'Pride And Prejudice'. I quite liked Hoskins - good to see him playing against type and he and Dench had good chemistry. I loved Thelma Barlow and Judi together, though - they must have had a blast. Like a pair of naughty schoolgirls. And I can't think of anyone else who could say the word '****' and make it sound as wonderful as Judi does.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 11/27/05 at 3:38pm

So glad you enjoyed it, Pattifan . I didn't know Kelly Reilly was in Pride And Prejudice, ugh does this mean I have to see that movie now?

[pattifan2]

Posted: 11/29/05 at 5:13pm

Poppy - I know it sounds like torture to you but you HAVE to see 'Pride And Prejudice'. You might even catch the US version of this film as they've now released it over here. It now includes the kiss. Hmmm, now I've mentioned that I can see we're going to have to restrain you. You're chomping at the bit now aren't you to see Keira kissing Macfadyen? (LOL)

[alterego]

Posted: 11/29/05 at 6:46pm

Mrs Henderson Presents... is certainly on my must see list.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 11/29/05 at 7:09pm

I'm not a fan of Macfadyen either, Pattifan.

Alterego, I'm glad ths is on the must see list. It is a very enjoyable film.

[DAME]

Posted: 11/29/05 at 7:18pm

I thought it was hilarious.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 11/29/05 at 7:26pm

But did you also think that the more serious moments were where the film didn't work so well?

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 1:40pm

Bump

[bdwaygirl]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 1:41pm

Poppy, what color are you nearing on the meltdown chart?

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 1:42pm

He is "Sick of seeing the same thread started 10 million times" green.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 1:45pm

It's more an "I'm sick of people just not using the search function". I hate the new search function with a purple passion but it doesn't mean you can't find anything with it.

[Kringas]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 1:46pm

I hear you. I turn that color of green every time I see a new thread titled "Bad Audience Behavior."

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 1:46pm

It is so funny to me, I hated the OLD search function with a lilac passion, the new one I much prefer.

[Kringas]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 1:53pm

I've gone on record before saying I hate the new search, but it's still usable. People are just lazy. I feel that all unnecessary duplicate threads should be jacked.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 3:12pm

I have not seen this film. There are three threads on it currently on page one. Does this constitute endorsement? Does Judi have Brokeback power?

[bdwaygirl]

Posted: 3/2/06 at 3:21pm

Only three? The other two must have fallen to page 2. I've yet to see it, either. We must be missing a Masterpiece!