Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool

 

(US, 2018) Director: Paul McGuigan. Screenplay: Matt Greenhalgh, based on the book by Peter Turner. Cast: Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Jodie McNee, Vanessa Redgrave.

Not since Harold and Maude has there been such a guilt-free May/December romance – with an playful older woman capturing the heart of a sensitive young man. The true story is based on the memoirs of Peter Turner, (Jamie Bell, star of Billy Elliot), in which he lovingly describes his affair with former Hollywood bombshell Gloria Grahame, played by Annette Bening with a winning mixture of acerbic wit “I can’t stand the sight of Ronnie Reagan. I’d like to stick my Oscar up his arse!” and vulnerability. Years after their affair ends, an ailing Glo pops up in Peter’s life to ask a favor: she wants to spend the last weeks of her life with him and his non-nonsense Mum (Julie Walters), at his childhood row house in Liverpool. 105 min
“Landing lightly on the loneliness of fame and the ravages of aging, the film is a fond farewell to a distinctive talent.” – Jeanette Catsoulis, New York Times. A New York Times Critics Pick.
“ANNETTE BENING IS EXCELLENT AS GLORIA GRAHAME: IMPERIOUS, VULNERABLE, ROMANTIC, SEXUALLY EXCITED ABOUT HER YOUNGER MAN, WANLY AWARE OF SECRETS SHE CANNOT SHARE WITH HIM. JAMIE BELL AND ANNETTE BENING ARE TREMENDOUS. THERE IS A GREAT SPARK BETWEEN THEM.” – Peter Bradshaw, THE GUARDIAN