‘The Critic’: The beast who writes brutal theatre reviews

Welcome to the glittery world of theatre. Glittery? Perhaps not. Achieving respect and accolade as a performer in live theatre may not be all that it’s anticipated to be, as depicted in The Critic, a British period thriller based on Anthony Quinn’s novel Curtain Call.

The story centers on Jimmy Erskine, The Daily Chronicle’s most highly respected theatre critic known as ‘the beast’ owing to his gleeful delivery of brutal reviews on theatrical productions.

When he’s dismissed after putting the publication in disrepute owing to his illicit queer sexual behavior in public, Erskine decides to avenge the viscount who terminated his employment.

“All men have secrets,” he states.

He enlists the aid of Nina Land in his blackmail revenge scheme, a vulnerable actress who previously had a confrontation with him yelling, “You’ve compared me to livestock, creatures of the sea and extinct birds – you’ve been dishing it out to me for decades – now it is going to stop!”

Erskine’s plan for her to seduce the viscount who fired him would be irreversibly scandalous if revealed publicly. This would ensure Erskine’s immediate reinstatement  by the publication and in turn he would write glowing reviews of all the actress’s future performances in the theatre.

Is Erskine’s venomous ploy flawless? How can this elderly critic have the nerve to put such a ruthless plan into motion? Unpredictable plot twists and romantic entanglements follow which lead to extortion, tragedy and a dark and chilling murderous finale.

Multi-award-winning English actor Ian McKellen delivers an egotistical and deliciously evil performance as the critic who thrives on writing rude and disrespectful reviews. The transformation of this alleged ‘harmless old man’ into a murderous villain is riveting to watch and his performance is the reason for the success of this movie.

Theatre critics are traditionally perceived as being overly disapproving of theatre productions and also of writing harsh reviews. McKellen’s casting in this movie is perfect – he’s exactly how most people would envisage the appearance and persona of a theatre critic.

Gemma Arterton portrays the vulnerable actress Nina Land who breaks the silent rule that actors and actresses should not speak to critics. She befriends Erskine saying, “I read your reviews as a child, and I became an actress because of you. I want to meet your standards.” But will this newly evolved friendship have longevity?

The extravagance and elegance of the sets, props and costumes are mesmerizing, perfect recreations of the British 1930s, that should transport entranced audiences to a bygone era.

Momentum builds in the second act as soapy and farcical elements evoke which compound to the nature of this wickedly entertaining thriller.

Are aspects of The Critic actually art imitating life?  This may be a work of fiction, but elements of the story could be perceived as cautionary for struggling up-and-coming actors and actresses who aspire for fame and fortune in the world of theatre.

The world of theatre can be viewed as a jungle – there may be quicksand that will suck you right under…

★★★★

In cinemas October 3