If you enjoy a well-executed and acted broad comedy, then this will be just the tonic you need to put you in the post-holiday spirit.
For almost 80 years, Noel Coward’s supernatural souffle of a conceit, Blithe Spirit, has been entertaining audiences, both on stage and screen, and director Edward Hall’s (Downton Abbey, The Durrells) latest adaptation certainly doesn’t stint on spectacle or silliness.
As with the 1941 stage play and Coward’s own initial 1945 cinematic version, it’s the story of acclaimed writer Charles Condomine (Dan Stevens).
Commissioned by his father-in-law to transform one of his stories into a 90-page screenplay, Charles has struggled for inspiration, much to the frustration of his beloved Ruth (Isla Fisher). While she’s advised by her tennis partner to find “someone else to shake her sheets” in order for their marriage to last, Charles confesses that “Big Ben has stopped chiming” because of his other worries.
As with any such comedy, the plot is both full of intricate mishaps and generally, in the service of tormenting the protagonists. The lead is tormented from the start
Desperate for any kind of remedy, a trip to the theatre gives him an idea. Despite watching medium Madame Arcati’s (Judi Dench) act go awry, Charles is convinced her nightly “transcendent miracles” of communicating with the other side has exciting dramatic potential.
However, his private seance with invited guests doesn’t exactly go as planned. At first, it seems like an unexpected power surge has simply taken out the lights. But when Charles’ first wife Elvira (Lesley Mann) begins haunting his every waking moment, despite having died seven years ago, it’s clear Madame Arcati has managed to make contact.
Initially struggling to fight off her attentions and others questioning his sanity, Charles eventually sees the benefits of having his “Manhattan muse” back in his life, especially when, with her assistance, the words begin to flow once more. She, though, isn’t exactly happy that Charles has moved on and isn’t afraid to cause a few ructions (or accidents) to ensure she has him all to herself.
This is touted as Dame Judi Dench’s funniest role in years. Actually, you could equally argue that – great thespian though she is – her part is underwritten. Her Madame Arcati is an odd creation, at times a moth-eaten figure of fun and at others a potion-brewing witch straight from a Shakespearean play.
Then we have the energy and comedic timing of the players, with Isla Fisher in particular showing her natural ability as a comic actor. She is a lot of fun to watch and she steals a lot of the scenes she is in.
The film is never a bore
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Featuring exquisite production design, gorgeous costumes and a light-hearted comedic approach, this Spirit’s story flies by, engaging at every twist and turn.
Throw in a terrific Hollywood-set, some deliciously witty dialogue and a couple of clever twists and the result is a richly rewarding, relaxing romp that just gets better and better as the film continues to it’s ultimate and very funny ending.
3.5/5 STARS