Quartet
Starring: Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins
Directed By: Dustin Hoffman
Reviewed by Danielle Muir

[rating: 3.5/5]

Watching elderly people cracking jokes in a light-hearted manner is like watching babies laughing on YouTube.  There’s something just inherently adorable about it.  Therefore, any lovers of wisecracks, Billy Connolly being naughty and classic opera will find joy in Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut Quartet.

At Beecham house for retired musicians, the residents’ days are filled with recitals, singing, instrumental practices and quiet seething rivalries of prima donnas gone by.  Life continues to plod along until the arrival of opera superstar Jean Horton (Smith) shakes up the house and its inhabitants, in particular her ex-husband Reginald (Courtenay) who’s not too fond of the new arrangement.  However, as he begins to warm once more to her with the encouragement of his friends Wilfred (Connolly) and Cissy (Collins), they attempt to persuade her into performing the Quartet at the upcoming Gala.

Quartet is one I’d definitely take my grandparents, mother or any lovers of classic Opera to see.  With legends such as Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon (yes, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall have been reunited) involved, a smile and a chuckle or two is guaranteed.  Quartet generally doesn’t lift the hilarity factor into exceptionally funny territory (except during one extraordinary moment from Maggie Smith), and there is a brief period of time around the middle when the jokes don’t appear quite funny or impactful enough to sustain avid interest in the film; however the absolutely heart-warming second half lifts the mood once more until it ends on a beautiful note.

With a cast of such superstars it’s no surprise that all performances are flawless.  Maggie is reserved and pursed-lipped as always, carrying herself which such dignity despite her obvious dismay at finally entering the part of her life that requires a nursing home.  This outlook on life translates into her yearning for her ex-husband of 9 hours Reginald, who initially won’t have a bar of her, leaving devilish Wilfred to provide the majority of the comic relief through his general seediness.  The cutest of the bunch is Cissy, the innocent, doe-eyed dose of sweetness that becomes one of Jean’s closest friends.  But it’s Michael Gambon, who plays the perpetually robed director of the Gala whose eccentricities often steal the scene, whether it’s through his innate desire to control everything or his blatant distaste for whatever piece of music is being played next door.

The grand manor which stands at Beecham house and the beautiful English countryside gives the travel bug a nudge, even if it’s meant to be a retirement home.  In fact, the beautiful cinematography and shots of the estate as the residents wander and go about their business are all presented with class and care, reflecting sophisticated filmmaking on Hoffman’s part.

Quartet is for those who want to experience a feeling of pleasantry for an afternoon or whatever time takes your fancy.  Its lovely cast and quaint storyline will keep you entertained, and you will leave with your heart sufficiently warmed and a smile sufficiently plastered.  Anyway, it’s worth it to see the filth Maggie Smith expels.