Quartet

When it comes to harmonious, whimsical and uplifting films, they do not come much more so than this. Quarter is in one word, a beautiful film. In my view it is one of the most lovely, well conceived, and possibly most underrated, films of the last decade. The great and iconic Dustin Hoffman may have very well given us as his directorial debut a great and iconic film.
Centering around a grand and picturesque nursing home for old people; a very specific type of old people. Yes, it is a house full of retired musicians, and full of characters. And that, essentially is all you need as a basic precursor to this film - great music and a stunning cast; let the magic commence!

Seriously, the cast of Quartet is stunning. Sir Michael Gambon, Sir Tom Courtenay, Dame Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Sheridan Smith, Pauline Collins, Trevor Peacock, Dame Gwyneth Jones, Andrew Sachs, David Ryall...they are all packed into this film and they are all superb. To have such acting talent in one film is mind boggling enough, but to see how they all gel effortlessly with resulting joyous moments is simply beyond belief. Whether it is one of hilarity, drama, sorrow or triumph, there is always an ever-present sense throughout Quartet of utter marvel at what you are watching, and at the people you are watching perform it.
So, let us look at the already aforementioned stunning cast of Quartet. Obviously, as the title suggests, there is a primary focus (though happily not too much) on a quartet of stars who reside at Beecham House. Sir Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly and Dame Maggie Smith (whose arrival is the key catalyst of several themes of drama and romance). Other favourite cast members of mine include Sir Michael Gambon who gives a hilarious turn as foppish director Cedric, and new national treasure, the delicious and charismatic Sheridan Smith who Billy Connolly sums up perfectly in his wonderful Scottish tones - "you're a true thing of beauty."
It is very difficult for me to pick a favourite piece of casting in the main quartet, let alone the whole film. Sir Tom Courtenay resonates as the regal and heartening Reg, and Dame Maggie Smith delights as the devilish and dramatic Jean. However for me, two utter stars shine the brightest by just a fraction in Quartet. I have said before that for me Billy Connolly is just as much of a gifted actor as he is a prolific comedian. In this film, he effortlessly and charmingly brings both sides of himself to fantastic fruition in every single scene he features in. Hilariously timed, witty, and with some fantastic one-liners, whilst also warm, loving and inviting...all with that devilish twinkle in his eye - his character of  Wilf is a joy to watch.
Equal to the majesty of Connolly is the infectious and utterly perfect characterization of Cissy, played stunningly and perfectly by Pauline Collins. She is adorable, as a wonderfully bubbly, innocent, brilliant lady whose slightly faltering mind opens her up to be the best of people. Ditsy, dizzy, hilarious, touching, heartbreaking, hilarious and human - I feel Pauline Collins deserved every award under the sun for her part in Quartet.

That cast, along with great music, stunning scenery, breathtaking cinematography and a script from the legendary Ronald Harwood that is just sublime and as I say I think Quartet is a real charmer of a film. Faults? Not many at all. OK, the Reg/Jean relationship is sort of rushed through quite casually and flippantly, resulting in it almost taking a back seat to all other goings on, and the way in which the mental frailty of the ageing cast of characters is sort of dealt with in a slightly clichéd fashion.
But really, if you have any liking for music, comedy, or any amount of heart, you really will love the cinematic bundle of joy that is Quartet.