I’ve noticed how more movies are being made about real people, the unsung heroes and artists are the more fascinating. This little known American folk painter’s life attracted funding from Irish and Canadian funding bodies for this film, so she must have had some charm. And she does.
Maudie Dowley (Sally Hawkins) was a simple soul, probably on the autistic scale, but knarled with arthritis. Her older brother has sold the family home and left her with her uptight aunt and no money.
Along comes Everett Lewis, (Ethan Hawke) a cranky fish peddler, who needs a housekeeper for his shack. Maude steals the ad and walks miles to apply. Despite the lack of space and his awkward, misanthropic manner, she’s keen on the job and a way to escape her existence, which she also does with her simple painting. Plus, you don’t get many Everetts who look as good as Ethan Hawke.
She moves into his shack and into his shabbier heart. And keeps painting. On the walls, window and cards. One day her work is noticed by Sandra (Kari Matchett), a glamorous New Yorker, and her artworks take off. It all so sounds so pat if it wasn’t based on a true story. Maudie Lewis’ artworks now sell for between $6,000 to $50,000.
Maybe making a movie about an artist is what has inspired director Aisling Walsh’s direction. So many of the shots are superb… the lighting and framing are spot on. The soundtrack is sparse and he trusts his actors. All the support roles are underplayed nicely.
Sally Hawkins is simply brilliant as Maudie. This is her best role yet, which is saying a lot about an award winner. The way she physically embodies Maudie is totally captivating and convincing, and her warmth and resilience fills the screen. Her performance carries this film, which is imposing when you see the talent around her.
Now, let’s talk about Ethan. He’s probably been cast due to the politics of funding from Canada, and he’s their go-to man for indie productions. He really embodies the character and embraces Everett. It’s just that, he doesn’t look like a grumpy, skinny loner. And as they all age, he doesn’t. He still looks 45 going onto 25. Physically, he doesn’t quite work… but his acting is spot on. It’s a bit of a quandary.
Even though this is a romantic drama, in the end it’s Maudie’s character and Hawkins’ performance that will win your heart. It felt real before the historical footage… as real as the emotions you’ll feel too.
Con’s Score: 4 brush strokes
Con Nats: On The Town and Theatre Now
IN CINEMAS AUGUST 24
NSW: Palace Verona, Palace Norton St, Dendy Newtown, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinema, Event Cinemas Cronulla, Tower Cinemas (Newcastle), Roxy Cinema(Nowra), Cinema Paradiso (Ettalong) & Avoca Beach Picture Theatre
ACT: Palace Electric, Dendy Canberra, Capitol Cinemas Manuka
VIC: Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Como, Palace Westgarth, Kino Cinemas, Cinema Nova, Classic Cinemas, Belgrave Cinemas, Lido Cinemas, Sun Theatre Yarraville, Waverley Cinema
SA: Palace Nova Eastend, Trak Cinema
TAS: State Cinema Hobart
QLD: Palace Centro, Palace Barracks, Dendy Portside, Regal Twin Graceville, Arts Centre Gold Coast
