The world of theater criticism has rarely been kind to its critics, often portraying them as joyless, harsh, and at times, downright cruel. “The Critic,” directed by Anand Tucker, leans into this stereotype, taking it to extravagant and often absurd heights. Set in 1930s London, the film centers on veteran theater critic Jimmy Erskine, played by the legendary Ian McKellen, whose scathing reviews have the power to make or break a production or a career.
McKellen’s Erskine is a man devoted to the truth, or at least his version of it. He is relentless in his criticism, holding nothing back as he wields his influence over the London theater scene. “The drama critic is feared and reviled for the judgment he must bring,” Erskine muses ominously in the film’s opening, noting that a critic “must be cold and perfectly alone.” His words ring true as we follow Erskine’s ruthless reign, taking down plays, performers, and anyone who dares to cross his path.
One of the more humorous and telling moments comes when an actress, Nina Land, portrayed by Gemma Arterton, confronts Erskine about his contradictory reviews of her performances. “How can I be both plump and emaciated?” she asks, but Erskine, unapologetic, shrugs her off, unwilling to admit any error. This moment encapsulates the character’s unwavering self-righteousness and serves as one of the film’s few genuine sparks.
Despite the film’s strong premise and McKellen’s delightfully sinister portrayal of Erskine, “The Critic” falters as it moves from satire to melodrama. What begins as a darkly comedic exploration of a critic’s power spirals into an overly complicated tragedy. At its core, the film attempts to juggle too many subplots, none of which are fleshed out enough to leave a lasting impact. Even talented actors like Lesley Manville, who plays Nina’s mother, are underutilized, leaving the audience wanting more from their characters.
The film, loosely based on Anthony Quinn’s novel Curtain Call and adapted by Patrick Marber, struggles to maintain the intricate web of stories it sets out to tell. Instead of focusing on Erskine’s moral decay and the lengths he’ll go to maintain his power, the plot becomes bogged down by unnecessary contrivances, losing sight of its central message. What could have been a biting critique of the critic ultimately feels superficial.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the film is Erskine’s personal life. An openly gay man, his sexuality becomes a liability as fascist ideologies rise and his new boss, David Brooke (played by Mark Strong), begins to challenge his authority. However, even this plotline fails to reach its full potential, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
For all its faults, “The Critic” does have its moments of brilliance. McKellen’s performance as the cold, calculating Erskine is mesmerizing. He revels in the role of the monstrous critic, making the character both fascinating and repulsive. But as the story becomes more chaotic, even McKellen’s magnetic presence isn’t enough to save the film from itself.
In one of the more poignant moments, Nina, despite being repeatedly torn apart by Erskine’s reviews, admits that it was his writing that made her fall in love with the theater in the first place. It’s a fleeting moment of reflection that hints at the complexity of the relationship between critics and artists, though the film never fully dives into the subject.
Ultimately, “The Critic” offers an interesting premise but fails to deliver on its promise. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it’s a visually appealing film with solid performances, but its lack of narrative cohesion leaves it feeling hollow. As Erskine himself might say, “More beauty, less beast” would have served it well.
Verdict: Two and a half stars out of four.
“The Critic” is rated R for language and sexual content, and is set for release by Greenwich Entertainment.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
