The Favourite

 

The Favourite 2018

• Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
• Seen by this director: Dogtooth
• Based on a book: no
• Cast: Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, Mark Gatiss, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Olivia Colman – Murder on the Orient Express, Broadchurch, The Night Manager, The Thirteenth Tale, I Give It a Year, Tyrannosaur, Doctor Who, Hot Fuzz, Much Ado about Nothing Re-told, Black Books, The Office
• Rachel Weisz – The Deep Blue Sea, The Fountain, The Constant Gardener, About a Boy, Sunshine
• Emma Stone – La La Land, The Help
• Mark Gatiss – Doctor Who, Sherlock, Absolutely Fabulous the Movie, London Spy, Victor Frankenstein, Wolf Hall, Starter for 10, Bright Young Things
• Nicholas Hoult – X Men etc, Mad Max Fury Road, Jack the Giant Slayer, Wah-Wah, About a Boy, Intimate Relations
• Joe Alwyn – The Magic Flute, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Keep the Aspidistra Flying, Karaoke, Takin’ over the Asylum
• Why? Olivia Colman
• Seen: 16 October 2020      

       The early 18^th century is not my favourite period in English (or European) history. All those hideous wigs, all that outrageous gaudiness and luxury amidst dreadful poverty, all those stupid wars.

       Queen Anne (Colman) is a neurotic, spoiled, ailing and pathetic tyrant. Lady Marlborough (Weisz) is her acerbic but devoted confidante and lover. Enter Lady Marlborough’s poor cousin Abigail (Stone) who connives to restore her lost aristocratic status, starting as a skivvy in the palace.

       Political and romantic intrigues abound. The complex relationship between the three women is fascinating. No wonder Colman won an Oscar, Weisz could well have too, and it’s Stone’s strongest performance so far.

       Most unpleasant characters. A riveting but most unpleasant film. And so very well done.

 

4 ½* of 5