The Lady In The Van
Not too (Downton) shabby.
Amostly true story,” The Lady In The Van is a delicious and distinct comedy drama from the incomparable Alan Bennett. Think the Charlie Kaufman-scripted Adaptation relocated to 1970s Camden, with a downat-heel Dame Maggie Smith, and you’re some way to describing this wryly observed recollection of a real-life event. Reuniting with his long-time collaborator Nicholas Hytner, who has twice directed Bennett’s screenplays, The Madness Of King George and The History Boys, it’s an affectionate reminder of just what a talent Bennett is.
In truth, this makes The Lady In The Van feel rather self-serving. And while a film that puts the writer (played by Alex Jennings) squarely in the picture has some measure of indulgence, there’s a deeply profound emotional arc here. Enter Dame Maggie, as Miss Shepherd, the local eccentric who lived in a van in Bennett’s driveway for fifteen years. While the neighbours (including Roger Allam and Frances de la Tour) tolerate her, its the timid new resident – and then fledgling playwright – Bennett that gets lumbered.
As the years pass, the irascible Miss Shepherd’s backstory gradually unfolds – her ability to play the piano and speak French, her time living in a convent and even some past trouble stirred up by Jim Broadbent’s retired policeman (arguably the film’s least satisfactory element). Handled sensitively by Hytner and Bennett, the point, to put simply, is that everyone has a story, even those we pass on the streets.
How you react to the film will depend on your feelings to the way Bennett dramatises his inner struggles. Jennings plays two Bennetts, often in the same frame – the writer and the do-er, who are frequently clashing about life, love, family, work and, of course, their imposing houseguest. Acting-wise, it’s a tour-de-force from Jennings who almost, but not quite, steals it from the marvellous Dame Maggie. A third Oscar for her? Don’t bet against it.
THE VERDICT A masterful meta-movie about creativity and companionship, The Lady In The Van comes highly recommended. Bennett’s writing, Hytner’s direction and the two superb leads are not to be missed. › Certificate 12A Director Nicholas Hytner Starring Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings, Dominic Cooper, Jim Broadbent, Frances de la Tour Screenplay Alan Bennett Distributor Sony Pictures Running time 104 mins