Two of my favourite actors come together in a pic reminiscing about the father/son relationship and how awkward, painful, and sometimes encouraging it can be.
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Based on Blake Morrison’s autobiography, Colin Firth plays Morrison, while the indefatigable Jim Broadbent his physician father, Arthur.
Told from the point of view of the younger Morrison as his father lies on his deathbed, we are privy to what it was like growing up with an overbearing, egotistical – bordering on narcissist – father, who always wants to be the centre of attention. The sensitive Blake grows up resenting his father, but comes to understand that like all of us, he is flawed.
Having seemly suffered hundreds of embarrassments and awkward moments over the years, not least his strong – but never really sorted – suspicion that is father was having an affair with his Aunt Beaty, Blake tries to reconcile the pain his father has caused him over the years, while trying not to be too resentful as his father is bedredden with a terminal illness.
Overall, a good watch and worth seeing, even if it just to see Broadbent at the top of his game. There are some lulls, and there was an underlying feeling that it wasn’t quite as complete as it could have been.
