Monday 26 February 2018

Film: 'Finding Your Feet'

Just as well that I wasn't expecting great things from this film, because no great things is precisely what it delivered. However, I was sorely in need of a cinematic experience to dilute the memory of 'The Shape of Water' which had so impressed me - not in a good way.  

A 'comedy-romance' (with weepie moments), this is another of those oldie-orientated British films that have become a bit of a vogue in recent years, though here it's more late-middle-age than 'oldie'. 
Imelda Staunton leads a cast of stalwart British actors as the wife of an affluent and titled husband (John Sessions) whom, she very publicly discovers, has been having an affair for five years. In a rowdy scene she ups and leaves him and their upper class life, moving in with her down-to-earth, substantially less well-off sister (Celia Imrie), living in a pokey, ramshackle, north London flat. Contrasts in attitude abound, Staunton finding it hard to shuffle off her airs and graces and condescending attitude to all and everyone around her - until she learns the 'correct' way to live through harsh yet loving words of advice from big sis. 
An acquaintance (Timothy Spall) lives on a canal boat adjoining that of his best friend (David Hayman), both of them attending adult dancing classes (hence the film's title) where Staunton is enticed to come along, and where she and Spall gradually melt towards each other. So far, so unoriginal! Also in the class is Joanna Lumley in a very bitty role - no more than the odd sentence or a few words now and again throughout the film. There are one or two pleasingly sharp exchanges in the script, I must admit.
It's curious, considering the film's release date here, that the central section of the film is set very prominently at Christmas time, giving it a slightly anachronistic quality, a bit odd for February.
One thread of the drama is that the dancing class is invited to do a public performance - in Rome, of all places! - though in this case at least they're not trying to win a competition.
The personal angle is mainly in the burgeoning relationship between Staunton and Spall - and there's also a very deeply emotional event which made me wince a little. 

I was surprised to find that the matinee screening I attended in a large cinema was almost packed out, mostly by the 'grey brigade' (amongst whom I'd count myself) - so word must be getting around. The general audience reaction seemed to be that they enjoyed the film a great deal more than I did. I think it needs one to be prepared to let go of one's expectations, hopes and inhibitions, and just go along with the flow, something I always find hard to do, especially when it's something as unashamedly sentimental as this. 

Director Richard Loncraine's only notable successes to date have been the indifferent 'Wimbledon' of 2004 and the rather better-received 'Richard III' (with Ian McKellan) in 1995. I can't see 'Finding Your Feet' adding much sparkle or longevity to his list of accomplishments..................5.




14 comments:

  1. Sounds like a simple, cute English film, and I do love those.

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    1. 'Simple' this one is, Bob - and 'cute', only up to a point. But brace yourself for the plunge into deep sentimentality. But please do see it.

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  2. Sometimes I just want to wallow in sentimentality, so I think I'd line up and join the "grey brigade" and enjoy the predictability of this film. Also, it doesn't hurt that the cast is led by Imelda Staunton, who gave such a fantastic performance as Rose in "Gypsy".

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    1. I know that some can take it, Paul, though films like this make me squirm with self-consciousness -
      which is somewhat strange in that I have no one here to feel self-conscious with/against or in front of (save my pussycat). However, if you don't mind such things (and I do envy those who aren't bothered), then go for it .

      I've had a soft spot for Imelda S. since she first came to my notice in the original London production of 'Into the Woods' 21 years ago, which I saw twice, when she had the relatively modest role of 'Baker's wife'. I saw that production twice. Since then she's really stretched herself on both stage and screen to a reputation she fully deserves.
      I too saw her (on TV) playing Gypsy R.L. and any doubts I had had beforehand that she may not be able to rise fully to the challenge she quickly dispelled.
      In this particular film she gets to depict a range of emotions so in that respect at least I can guarantee that it won't disappoint you.

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  3. I was going to see this today but couldn't go because of the snow. I am hoping to see it tomorrow but it is snowing again now. I wasn't going to read your review but in the end I did because of not getting to the film I am a bit surprised. I hope I get to see it. I still want to go. I like Tim Spall.

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    1. The general audience reaction was much more favourably disposed towards it, Rachel, as you could well be. In certain areas I am rather harder to please than some, so don't put too much store by my views.
      Btw: What's happened to Spall? The only times I've seen someone become as physically diminished as he has is when they've been, like me, diagnosed with diabetes, so I'm guessing that could be what's happened to him. I'm lucky in (so far) not having undergone any weight loss. I like him too - as well as his son, Rafe, whom I'd rate as quite a hottie!

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    2. I don't think I am going to get to see it as it has been snowing all morning and we already had more overnight and I am virtually snowed in here now. Going out to see a film would be madness. I think Tim Spall looks ill but the papers seem to think he looks younger because he has lost so much weight, and it is because of healthy eating. Personally I thought he looked better as he was.

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    3. Re: Spall - Me too, Rachel. I can't look at him now without thinking of what he used to look like. I really do hope his weight loss is due to healthy eating, though to me he now looks anything but that.

      Yes, I see that the eastern side especially will suffer the worst of the weather over the next two or three days, though it's nitheringly cold here right now. Every time I look at the BBC ten-day forecast the day of recovery keeps seeming to be pushed back and back (currently Sat for these parts at least). Never will Springtime have been more welcome!

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    1. It's very much a two-actress film, Sol - her and Staunton - so you're sure to like it.

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  5. Ray,
    Sounds like the kind of film I like (and Pat doesn't). I'll look for it in my Netflix account. Thanks for the tip.
    Ron

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    1. Knowing your 'type' of film, Ron, I think you'll get more out of this than either I did or Pat would. So suck it and see!

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