Michelle SweeneyReview - And When Did You Last See Your Father?
November 9th 2009 03:24
Colin Firth as the adult Blake, returns home to visit his dying father and assist his mother (Juliet Stevenson) with the final tasks required to lay his dad to rest. But he cannot let go of his past and he desperately wants to understand the relationship between that of his father, mother and aunt. His desire for the truth is also unknowingly creating a wedge between his relationship with his extremely patient wife Kathy (Gina McKee).
My only major issue is that I would have liked to have seen a little more interaction between mother and son, particularly in the teenage stage, as that would have highlighted why he felt so abhorred against his father. And there is no doubt that at some point in the movie it will have you dwelling on your relationship with your own father requiring you to ask the question, "and when did you last see your father?" By this the author and director requires us to think past the physical aspect of last seeing our father, particularly for example in light of Arthur's declining health, but moreover when he may have been healthy and operating in full capacity.
The past is shown in flashbacks and as such we understand the bitterness behind Blake as the movie develops and we see him interact with his father from young child well into his adult years. Directed by Anand Tucker, I must confess I was keen to see this after enjoying both Shopgirl and Hilary and Jackie as much as I did.
The movie is quite slow in pace and is certainly not something to brighten your day, being sad and reminiscent for the most part. The pace and gentleness set by the actors and director however ultimately worked in highlighting the intricacies of all the relationships involved.
Voyage Review: 3/5
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Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
I'd completely forgotten about this, but I'm also a massive Broadbent fan so will have to check this out.
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Michelle Sweeney
Competition Queen
Always Learning
Cinema Voyage
Comment by Michelle Sweeney
Competition Queen
Always Learning
Cinema Voyage