THE CRITIC
THREE AND A HALF STARS A famous London theatre critic senses obsolescence - his own - and takes action.
PERIOD DRAMA UK English #THECRITIC
Starring Ian McKellan, Gemma Arterton
Irony alert as we critique THE CRITIC as it critiques the art of the critic critiquing art.
Jimmy Erskine (Sir Ian McKellen in excellent form) is the titular critic, an abrasive, self-important diva of theatrical journalism in the 1930’s; a man who can make or break a production and all those whose careers and lives depend on it. But Erskine fears London theatre is on the move, that it’s shifting uncontrollably without him; he smells obsolesce, his own. What to do?
Director Anand Tucker (HILARY AND JACKIE) has created a rich depiction of the era with fine attention to period details. Its vibrant cinematography and set design capture the turbulent world of London theatre on the cusp of change, providing a lush backdrop for Erskine's flamboyant schemes where power dynamics and personal secrets collide.
While the narrative explores provocative themes such as the power of critique, social conservatism, and the risks of living authentically in a repressive time, it also falters under the weight of too many subplots. Supporting performances, including Gemma Arterton as an ambitious actress and Mark Strong as a stern newspaper editor, are engaging but sometimes feel underdeveloped amid the intricate storytelling.
Yet even as too-many-events seem to take over the film, McKellen is there to bring it back into focus. Sharp-tongued and pugnacious, he captures both the charm and venom of a man wielding words as weapons. His portrayal of Erskine's excessive behaviour and deep-seated fear of irrelevance fills the character with complexity, making him compelling despite the moral ambiguity of his actions.
THE CRITIC is always compelling but is elevated by McKellen's magnetic performance, one that deftly balances humour, menace, and vulnerability. It’s a riot, even when it’s being intolerably nasty. Like Dame Maggie Smith before him, McKellen has a thrilling ability to make even the most caustic dialogue resonate, turning Erskine into a character we love to hate to love. This is a must-see for anyone who enjoys character-driven drama, theatrical intrigue and the schadenfreude of watching a critic hoisted by their own petard.
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