What It’s About
Once famous painter Julian Sklar (McKellen) is now in his mid-eighties, living in virtual seclusion in London. His past work includes some unfinished portraits of his old lover Christopher that would fetch top dollar if ever completed. Julian’s grown children Barnaby (Corden) and Sallie (Gunning) approach artist and restorer Lori Butler (Cole) with an audacious plan: Lori will become Julian’s assistant, and then finish “The Christophers” in secret. Then when Julian passes, they’ll share in the proceeds.
But they’ve sorely underestimated wily old Julian.
Why We Love It
Soderbergh’s clever, engaging black comedy, scripted by Ed Solomon, is first and foremost an ideal showcase for McKellen, in top form as a cranky, crusty painter who’s a lot sharper than he seems. He and Cole really are the whole show here, and they exhibit great chemistry so that’s enough. (Her Lori has enough intestinal fortitude to give Julian a run for his money). In the end, though, see this for McKellen – it’s sheer joy watching this old trouper do his thing, as only he can.