The Father

The Father
A Film by Florian Zeller
Sony Pictures Classics
March 28, 2021

The Father  -  Movie Poster
  Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics  

When I read that Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman were both nominated for Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Awards for The Father, I was immediately interested in seeing it.  Not only because of the magnitude of the work of these two actors, but because I saw the Manhattan Theatre Club production of Christopher Hampton’s translation of Florian Zeller’s play, The Father, in 2016.  Could this movie be an adaptation of that play?  I was very enthusiastic when I found out it was!

I remember the play very clearly.  It was highly impactful, relying on many theatrical devices and stage effects to create a very profound experience.  Frank Langella was brilliant in the role of Andre, the father.  Kathryn Erbe was mesmerizing as his daughter.  You can read my post of that production on this blog, dated April 1, 2016.  I was intrigued to find out if the impact of that play would successfully transfer to film.  I am happy to say, under the direction of Florian Zeller, it was skillfully achieved.  How could it be anything less, since Mr. Zeller co-wrote the screenplay with Christopher Hampton.

Imogen Poots, Olivia Colman, & Anthony Hopkins in The Father
Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Anthony Hopkins plays Antony (a name change from Frank Langella’s character in Christopher Hampton’s translation).  He is a senior adult who is facing the challenges of memory loss and the need for full time home care.  Olivia Colman plays Anne, his daughter, who is overwhelmed by the care of her father, while facing her own life changing decisions.  The confusion builds as the scenes progress, yet they contain very specific and subtle clues that keep the audience connected.  As the action unfolds, the audience realizes they are experiencing the events from Antony’s point of view.  The confusion is purposeful, offering an insightful understanding to the frustration and powerlessness that comes with aging and memory loss.

It is re-assuring when a well-conceived, skillfully crafted, and expertly produced play is turned into an effective and thought provoking film.  Make it a point to see The Father.  The performances are outstanding, but more importantly, the experience is mind altering. 

Domenick Danza