Farewell salute
With his usual impeccable style, Michael Caine’s final role exudes grace and grit
Ten years ago, the adventurous exploits of an 89-year-old British gentleman named Bernard Jordan earned him the nickname The Great Escaper.
The UK media just couldn’t get enough of old Bernie’s story, even if this crotchety World War II Royal Navy veteran was not exactly Steve McQueen taking a flight to freedom on a motorbike.
Instead, Jordan found fame by making a low-speed, high-stakes run for it from his retirement home all the way to France. Just so he could take his rightful place at a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was going to be in attendance, and the then-US president Barack Obama too.
However, Jordan’s need to be there had nothing to do with a selfie with an A-lister.
There was always going to be a movie made from this touching true story, and it’s somewhat surprising it took so long to reach the screen.
Nevertheless, the wait proves to be truly worth it, largely due to filmmakers finding the perfect actor to play Bernard Jordan.
The great Michael Caine does a wonderful job bringing this remarkable character to life, gently nudging his portrayal away from the syrupy sentimentality that other performers might have settled for.
Ninety years of age at the time of shooting – and now retired from the acting game after a long and colourful career – Caine exudes both a grace and grit as Jordan that is always convincing.
A performer of his elevated standing could not have landed upon a more apt, nor affecting role with which to bid audiences farewell.
Though in many ways a quiet and reflective picture, The Great Escaper instantly makes a strong connection with the viewer and effortlessly holds it.
The opening act introduces us to Jordan and his loving wife Irene (the late Glenda Jackson), happily seeing out their twilight years together in a busy, understaffed retirement home.
The couple conspire to find a way to get Jordan on to the Channel Ferry and over to Normandy before anyone notices he is gone.
Theirs might be a simple ruse, but it is an effective one, and as Jordan makes slow, but determined progress towards his destination, the occasional flashback fills us in on how Irene became the great love of his life.
Despite their physical limitations – both actors refrain from hiding their obvious frailties – Caine and Jackson land upon a shared energy and spirit that keeps The Great Escaper in fighting fit form throughout. The Great Escaper is in cinemas now