Any “Downton Abbey” fans out there? If so, before you check out the poster for Quartet you may want to rush over to Amazon and buy the first two season of the popular show on sale for 60% off. Otherwise, I’m sure you’re recognize the face and name front and center on the just-released poster for Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut.
Based on the play by Ronald Harwood and adapted for the screen by the same man, Quartet centers on Cecily (Pauline Collins), Reggie (Tom Courtenay) and Wilfred (Billy Connolly) living in a home for retired opera singers. Every year, on October 10, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday and they take part. Jean (Maggie Smith), who used to be married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva, but she refuses to sing. Still, the show must go on… and it does.
I missed Quartet in Toronto and have the screener in my stack to watch, but have yet to pop it in the player. The film will get a limited release on December 28 so I’m sure I’ll see it before then, but with BFCA nominations due next week I think I better see it sooner rather than later.
