Set in Nova Scotia, starting in the 1930s (and based on true historical characters), the ever-watchable Sally Hawkins is the eponymous Maud, a middle-aged woman who displays an unseemly awkward walk because of her living continuously with arthritic pain. She lives with her unsympathetic aunt whose attitude is largely framed by disapproval towards her niece who'd become pregnant many years previously. The way Maud has to carry herself makes it appear that as well as her physical disadvantages she might also be mentally retarded, though she's not. Through circumstances she decides to leave her home and applies for a newly-advertised post as live-in cleaner and housekeeper to an emotionally constipated fish-deliverer (Ethan Hawke) who lives alone in a small isolated cottage with his two dogs. She's the only applicant and he reluctantly takes her on but makes it abundantly clear from the outset that he's the boss who expects to be obeyed.
She starts to explore her talent at painting - on the cottage's inside walls and windows. Of course her action engenders conflict with her hirer. As the film progresses, her painting talents (mainly small pictures on cards) become known rather wider than the immediate locality, largely thanks to a kindly customer (Kari Matchett) of the Hawke character, and it's not long before he finds himself playing second fiddle to Maudie when she becomes something of a celebrity.
After their early mutual hostilities, it doesn't come as much of a surprise when witnessing how the relationship between the two main characters develops, but it's nicely portrayed, only once tipping over into outright sentimentality, so I can forgive the film that.
This is director Aisling Walsh's first major foray into the world of feature films, though she has already done considerable TV work. This project makes me hungry to see more of her cinema work.
Photography (actually mainly shot in Newfoundland) is superb. Music is kept to a sensibly unobtrusive level and the whole of the small cast could not be better, though it's the truly wonderful and believable Sally Hawkins who carries the film. I hope she gets at least the Oscar nomination she deserves for her deeply affecting performance in this unassuming, yet quite remarkable, little film.....................7.5.
I saw the film some time ago and loved it. Middle-aged? I saw Maudie as quite young. Just goes to show, wee all see things a little differently,.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I was thinking of the actress behind rather than the role itself, Rachel. The film didn't quite make clear how many years were elapsing I the story.
DeleteI'm sorry that the film is unlikely to get widely seen. It's only had two screenings here and those being at just one cinema in the whole region. A wider release would be so justified.
It had big audiences here for over two weeks nearly a month ago. Do you live in a backwater?
DeleteI don't know so much about actors and actresses as you do, I take them as I see them in the role they are playing.
Hardly a backwater, Rachel - Worthing (3 or 4 screens, it varies) and with Brighton's 11 screens just a 3/4 hour bus ride away, Maudie mystifyingly missing Brighton altogether. Even at yesterday's one of just two Worthing screenings the audience was noticeably sparse.
DeleteI must admit that I do tend to have difficulty in separating the actors/actresses from their screen roles. I wish I found it easier to suspend my disbelief.
Ray,
ReplyDeletePat saw this film about a month ago and highly recommended it to me. He told me I would like it. Now you recommend it. I'm getting it!
Thanks!
Ron
It's a must-see, Ron, and I'm gong to have to revise my opinion of Pat's taste as I'd have expected that his being a fan of noisy action films he might have been bored silly by this one. I'm pleased he wasn't.
DeleteMy Hubby and I saw Maudie in DC several weeks back... He LOVED it while I thought it was just OK. I believe it is being released on DVD in US on October 10. I assume it will also be available On Demand at same time. The Hubby can't wait.
ReplyDeleteI can well understand how not everyone will warm to this film in the way some of us have, Mark, and that's fine - and every bit as valid. There's only a minority of films I see which I'd like to see again, even those I liked. This is one I wouldn't mind giving a second look. At least when it becomes available on DVD or 'On Demand' you won't have to experience it again yourself. :-)
DeleteI saw this at the weekend and loved it. I think Maud was in her mid 30's at the start of the film, and she'd had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - the acting of this disability was superb. I paint, and watching her struggle to hold a brush almost had me in tears.
ReplyDeleteIt was only on for one night at our local cinema, and about 27 in the audience! I only saw the listing by chance, and remembered a small piece in a magazine when it was released. Shame it hasn't had better promo.
I've only just seen this comment, TVA. over four months later! Shame on me! I do try to make an effort to acknowledge ALL comments posted on my blog as it's not too much to expect, but this one has somehow slipped through. If by some chance you're reading this all this time later, thanks for taking the time to visit and post. If you return I do hope I'll pick it up quickly next time. Thanks again.
ReplyDelete