For any Biopic, it is most essential to feel for its subject of work. And to Director Jon S. Baird's Advantage, his Biopic 'Stan & Ollie', based on the lives and times of the immortal duo of Laurel and Hardy, comes intact with empathy. While its definitely not a Biopic that will leave you entirely satisfied, the heartwarming performances of its solid principal cast and a tear-jerking end, will leave you moved.
'Stan & Ollie' Synopsis: Laurel and Hardy (portrayed here by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly, respectively) , the world's most famous comedy duo, attempt to reignite their film careers as they embark on what becomes their swan song - a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain.
'Stan & Ollie' focuses on the rise and fall of Laurel and Hardy's magnetic chemistry. The film begins with them at their peak, but continues right after, in their struggle to rise up, after time and luck wears out. And that's a good thing for this biopic, as you explore Laurel and Hardy beyond their successful careers, and a get closer look at their lives behind the curtains and what prompted them to keep going even when the world stopped showing up to watch their magic. The film focuses on the duo's addictions, vices and turbulent relationships with each other and their respective spouse/s, giving us an entirely realized account on the lives of the late acting giants.
Having said that, 'Stan & Ollie' is monotonous after a point. Watching the duo struggle to their get careers going, has a few moments of spark, but the sequences are often repeated and lack surprise. It's the film's final-act, where the film finds it's heart. I was moved to tears and found my heart warmed and broken, at the same time. The climatic sequence, is indeed, the highpoint of the enterprise.
Jeff Pope's Screenplay is heartfelt, but could've done without the monotony. Also, the film lacks an escalation, which might make viewers feel the film lacks beat, for a large part. However, the Writing nicely explores it's characters and the culmination is all heart. Jon S. Baird's Direction is controlled and balanced. Laurie Rose's Cinematography is picturesque, while the Edit is fine. Art and Costume Design are top-notch. Make-Up merits a special mention.
Performance-Wise: Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, bring in their A-Game. Coogan is masterfully restrained as Laurel, delivering a truly fine performance that reaffirms his under-rated status as a performer. Reilly is dependably natural as Hardy, committing himself completely to the part. And the on-screen camaraderie among the two, is infectious. Of the supporting cast, Shirley Henderson is extraordinary as Hardy's wife and Nina Arianda steals the show as Laurel's better half. Rufus Jones is first-rate.
On the whole, 'Stan & Ollie' is imperfect, but it charms nonetheless.
'Stan & Ollie' Synopsis: Laurel and Hardy (portrayed here by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly, respectively) , the world's most famous comedy duo, attempt to reignite their film careers as they embark on what becomes their swan song - a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain.
'Stan & Ollie' focuses on the rise and fall of Laurel and Hardy's magnetic chemistry. The film begins with them at their peak, but continues right after, in their struggle to rise up, after time and luck wears out. And that's a good thing for this biopic, as you explore Laurel and Hardy beyond their successful careers, and a get closer look at their lives behind the curtains and what prompted them to keep going even when the world stopped showing up to watch their magic. The film focuses on the duo's addictions, vices and turbulent relationships with each other and their respective spouse/s, giving us an entirely realized account on the lives of the late acting giants.
Having said that, 'Stan & Ollie' is monotonous after a point. Watching the duo struggle to their get careers going, has a few moments of spark, but the sequences are often repeated and lack surprise. It's the film's final-act, where the film finds it's heart. I was moved to tears and found my heart warmed and broken, at the same time. The climatic sequence, is indeed, the highpoint of the enterprise.
Jeff Pope's Screenplay is heartfelt, but could've done without the monotony. Also, the film lacks an escalation, which might make viewers feel the film lacks beat, for a large part. However, the Writing nicely explores it's characters and the culmination is all heart. Jon S. Baird's Direction is controlled and balanced. Laurie Rose's Cinematography is picturesque, while the Edit is fine. Art and Costume Design are top-notch. Make-Up merits a special mention.
Performance-Wise: Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, bring in their A-Game. Coogan is masterfully restrained as Laurel, delivering a truly fine performance that reaffirms his under-rated status as a performer. Reilly is dependably natural as Hardy, committing himself completely to the part. And the on-screen camaraderie among the two, is infectious. Of the supporting cast, Shirley Henderson is extraordinary as Hardy's wife and Nina Arianda steals the show as Laurel's better half. Rufus Jones is first-rate.
On the whole, 'Stan & Ollie' is imperfect, but it charms nonetheless.