Sunday, July 13, 2008
A+E, Movies, Reviews

‘Father’ a wrenching daddy drama

When Did You Last See Your Father?

Some people work out their daddy issues in therapy. Others make movies about them. Blake Morrison, on whose book “When Did You Last See Your Father?” was based, assuages his guilt by sharing it with you.

Three actors play Blake at different ages: Colin Firth (adult), Matthew Beard (teenager) and Bradley Johnson (pre-teen). While young Bradley might mature into Firth, Beard, though a good actor, looks nothing like either of them. A key plot point involves family resemblance, making this casting error even more glaring.

Blake doesn’t like his father, Arthur (Jim Broadbent), but he’s obsessed with winning his respect. He tells his wife (Gina McKee) he longs to hear him say “just two words: ‘well’ and ‘done.’”

The 1950s opening scene shows Arthur pulling off minor scams as Blake narrates, “My father could talk his way in and out of anything,” with a mixture of admiration and contempt.

In the ’80s, Arthur is stricken with something he can’t talk his way out of: cancer. Blake goes to stay with his parents at the family home, where every room cues flashbacks, usually involving Arthur humiliating Blake or interrupting him having sex, by himself or with the maid.

In between flashbacks, Arthur deteriorates rapidly, and Blake despairs of leaving things unsaid and questions unanswered.

Though the film earns a “well” and “done,” it’s excruciating to watch. It’s only recommended for grief therapy, to help release tears you’ve long been repressing. 2.5 STARS—Steve Warren