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The Dresser | Year: 1983 Classification: Drama Directed: - Peter Yates Actors/Actresses: - Albert Finney - Tom Courtenay "STOP THAT TRAIN"! A stunning performance by Albert Finney. The great Bard,s works are on display here even offstage.( in a sense) Pillar To Post acting by the rest of the cast and a treat to see Mr. Tom Courtenay on the screen again. Mr. Courtenay has made only a handfull of films it seems and in each one he has really stood out. In this film he is totally and eternally "The Dresser" If you like Shakespeare and the English, You'll Love This England, 1940, during the blitz: all the young actors are in uniform, hospital, or dead. Albert Finney, playing an aging Shakespearean, carries on as best he can, leading his troupe of women, and men too old or damaged to fight. Actually, he doesn't lead, but rather is daily cajoled into carrying on by his dresser (played by Tom Courtenay). Courtenay is wonderful as the fussy, loyal, oh-so-English man behind the man, maintaining a desperate hold on his good humour even as his life is coming apart in shreds as Finney disintegrates. It is easy to see that Finney was classically trained, and that his booming stage voice must have rung through many a theater. The snatches of Shakespeare that we do see are great fun, as is the byplay between the old man who can do them in his sleep and even the most humble members of the crew, who by now know all the cues. But mainly this is the story of two men, one an artist who is used to taking what he needs from those around him, and the other who gives his life over to that man, and to some idea of carrying on the great work. This is not a happy film, but it is a great one. Brilliant drama about drama I have always loved the theater and actors. The Dresser pays great homage to the noble art of the thespian but also captures the isolating nature of their work. Finney and Courtenay are both brilliant as the waning star and the has-been confidant. Their relationship is one of the most poignant ever written. Courtenay's character is a passionate study of both desperation and unflagging loyalty. This one is truly a keeper for anyone who loves theater, actors and just good drama. Buy The Dresser at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Dresser Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Dresser This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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