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

The Father

The Father

Theatre for a New Audience

May 29, 2016

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Theatre for a New Audience is presently running Ibsen’s A Doll’s House and Strindberg’s The Father in rep at their downtown Brooklyn theatre.  The intention of this project is to illustrate these two classic playwrights’ opposing points of view over the battle of the sexes.  Under the bold and daring direction of Associate Artistic Director Arin Arbus, these two productions share the same superb cast.  The production of The Father is riveting.  Ms. Arbus strongly dramatizes Strindberg’s account of the manipulative and domineering role a woman can play in a marriage, and the overbearing control she can have over the family patriarch.

John Douglas Thompson
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

The Captain (played by John Douglas Thompson) is fighting with his wife, Laura (played by Maggie Lacey), over what is best for their daughter, Bertha (played by Kimber Monroe).  When Laura, in a desperate attempt to win, puts into question Bertha’s paternity and her husband’s sanity, the outcome is devastating.

John Douglas Thompson delivers a stellar performance in the title role.  His character possesses strengths that make him a leader, and insecurities that make him vulnerable.  He blends these juxtaposed traits in a naturalistic way that allows the character to be identifiable and genuine.  Maggie Lacy is invincible as his wife, Laura.  She is determined and, at times, cruel, yet in the end reveals the honest motivations of her character, which makes her susceptible and empathetic.  Kimba Monroe is extraordinary as their daughter, Bertha.  She is a skilled, young actress with depth and honesty that seizes attention each moment she is on stage.  Other outstanding performances are Laurie Kennedy as Margaret, Nigel Gore as Doctor Ostermark, and Jesse J. Perez as the Pastor.

Maggie Lacey & John Douglas Thompson
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Theatre for a New Audience raises the bar for greatness with every production.  Their standards are high.  Their directors are brilliant.  Their casting is impeccable.  A Doll’s House and The Father run in rep through June 12.  Don’t miss out on this theatrical event. 

I have only seen “The Father,” and welcome comments from anyone who has seen this director’s interpretation of “A Doll’s House.”

Domenick Danza

The Father

The Father

Manhattan Theatre Club

The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

March 25, 2016

Photo courtesy of Manhttan Theatre Club

The Father is a powerful piece of theatre presently in previews at the Manhattan Theatre Club.  This is not to be confused with the well-known August Strindberg classic.  This play is a new translation by Christopher Hampton of the Moliere Award winning play (France’s most prestigious honor for a new work of theatre) by Florian Zeller.  Directed by Doug Hughes and starring Frank Langella, this play chronicles the perceptions and tragic crumbling of a man as he enters into the final chapter of a once productive life.

The play opens with Anne (played by Kathryn Erbe) talking with her eighty year old father, Andre (played by Frank Langella) about a fight he had with his caregiver.  It is evident by the tone of the discussion that he gets disoriented and is prone to outbursts.  His confusion is understood as a different actor (Kathleen McNenny) plays Anne in the next scene and the dialogue contradicts the facts set up in the first scene.  When Kathryn Erbe returns as Anne in scene three, it becomes clear that the play is going to unfold from Andre’s perplexed point of view.  His memory lapses and bewilderment make total sense when scenes play out with opposing information, flashing lights, different actors playing the same roles, and furniture disappearing.

Frank Langella & Kathryn Erbe
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Frank Langella is brilliant!  The strength of his presence and stature makes you believe him when he says he does not need anyone to help him.  His character is charming and gregarious.  He skillfully transitions from vigor into helplessness.  Watching him weaken as scenes progress is moving and tragic.  You can feel how lost he is in his own mind.  The relationship created between him and Ms. Erbe is tender and real.  They deeply rely on one another.  Doug Hughes direction brought them to the place where they boldly deliver honest and grounded performances.  Charles Borland, Kathleen McNenny, Hannah Cabell, and Brian Avers also deliver strong performances.

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

This performance by Frank Langella is not to be missed.  The script is captivating and uniquely structured.  The Father opens on April 14 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre and runs through June 12.

Domenick Danza