With my near-lifelong love of classic film and period dramas/films (particularly ones based on historical figures, and there are plenty of classics in this regard), 'The Mudlark' intrigued me straight away. Especially when it contained two of the biggest historical figures, the as of now second-longest reigning monarch Queen Victoria and one of Britain's most important prime minsters Benjamin Disraeli.
Further sparking interest was the cast, with the involvement of Irene Dunne, Alec Guinness and Finlay Currie promising an enormous amount. Will admit thinking before seeing 'The Mudlark' that Dunne seemed an odd choice for Victoria, having looked nothing like Victoria herself in middle age. Needn't have worried. Did have a gut feeling that even with that reservation 'The Mudlark' would be a little gem sadly overlooked today. It turned out to be exactly that.
Sure, figuring out how it would end may have been quite easy early on and occasionally at first the film is a touch stately, but one doesn't care so much about those when everything else is so brilliant.
On a visual level, 'The Mudlark' is very handsomely shot which does justice to the sets and costumes that are both lavish and evocative. The music score from William Alwyn is not discordant and has presence without intruding. The film was directed in a way showing a keen eye for detail and an ease and passion for the subject.
In terms of writing, the script is really quite masterly, very erudite and thought-provoking, with the highlight being Disraeli's speech which was really quite powerful. The story, both with the boy's quest and Disraeli's attempt to get Victoria out of solitude, is compelling and emotionally resonant with nothing ringing false.
'The Mudlark' is a masterclass when it comes to the acting. Andrew Ray is endearing and very easy to relate to and Currie is suitably crusty as John Brown. It's the two leads who dominate, especially the marvel that is Guinness who transforms himself into this shrewd, intelligent and sympathetic man. Unreognisable Dunne is imperious and dignified, making for some movingly sincere moments. Her and Guinness have a very believable chemistry together, an affectionate one which was very much accurate in reality.
Concluding, a little gem that should be better known. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Further sparking interest was the cast, with the involvement of Irene Dunne, Alec Guinness and Finlay Currie promising an enormous amount. Will admit thinking before seeing 'The Mudlark' that Dunne seemed an odd choice for Victoria, having looked nothing like Victoria herself in middle age. Needn't have worried. Did have a gut feeling that even with that reservation 'The Mudlark' would be a little gem sadly overlooked today. It turned out to be exactly that.
Sure, figuring out how it would end may have been quite easy early on and occasionally at first the film is a touch stately, but one doesn't care so much about those when everything else is so brilliant.
On a visual level, 'The Mudlark' is very handsomely shot which does justice to the sets and costumes that are both lavish and evocative. The music score from William Alwyn is not discordant and has presence without intruding. The film was directed in a way showing a keen eye for detail and an ease and passion for the subject.
In terms of writing, the script is really quite masterly, very erudite and thought-provoking, with the highlight being Disraeli's speech which was really quite powerful. The story, both with the boy's quest and Disraeli's attempt to get Victoria out of solitude, is compelling and emotionally resonant with nothing ringing false.
'The Mudlark' is a masterclass when it comes to the acting. Andrew Ray is endearing and very easy to relate to and Currie is suitably crusty as John Brown. It's the two leads who dominate, especially the marvel that is Guinness who transforms himself into this shrewd, intelligent and sympathetic man. Unreognisable Dunne is imperious and dignified, making for some movingly sincere moments. Her and Guinness have a very believable chemistry together, an affectionate one which was very much accurate in reality.
Concluding, a little gem that should be better known. 9/10 Bethany Cox