Coming out is without doubt the most common topic of a gay themed films, but what’s it like coming out later in life? This is the central premise of Beginners a new film from Writer / Director Mike Mills. Based on Mills’ own experiences Beginners tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor) who is reflecting on life following the death of his father Hal (Christopher Plummer).
When Oliver’s mother passed away, his father announced he was gay. While his parents had a happy marriage for over 40 years, his father was now ready to explore the other side of his sexuality and soon joins Pride, the gay men film club and a whole host of queer organisations. Hal finds happiness in an open relationship with his younger boyfriend Andy played by Goran ViÅ¡nji.
The story of Hal’s journey of finding love late in life and dealing with the news that his life is nearing its end is juxtaposed with his son’s experiences of understanding love and relationships in the months after Hal’s death. Oliver meets Anna at a fancy dress party and embarks on a romance although he is clearly still grieving the loss of his father.
Eighty one year old Plummer is brilliantly cast in this role. Its forty six years since he was in The Sound of Music but cinema audiences arrive with the idea of him being fatherly imbedded in their being. Plummer has had a late career resurgence with memorable roles in The Insider and The Last Station and as the voice of Charles Muntz in Up. His portrayal of Hal is complex, filled with wisdom, love and a last minute lust for life.
French actress Mélanie Laurent (Inglorious Bastards) takes on her first full English speaking role and captures the audience’s attention as the intriguing and creative Anna. Stepping into the type of role that in the ’90s would have been given to Julie Delpy, Laurent is engaging and intriguing as Anna an actress who is in town for a short time and provides Oliver a way to break out of his emotional doldrums.
Ewan McGregor almost disappears into the role of Oliver. His performance is understated and mellow, the type of acting that deserves awards but never gets them because it’s not filled with passionate speeches and personality. McGregor subtly communicates how Oliver is lost, depressed and emotionally adrift. His growing relationship with Anna allows him to combine his father’s desire to live life to the full with his own return to life after his father death.
Told through seamless flashbacks this film is heartfelt, bittersweet and has an honest beauty. The story is based on Director Mike Mills personal experiences of his own parents and love life. Beginners is a quality piece of filmmaking, Mills delicately balances a serious amount of grief and depression with ample whimsy and intriguing quirkiness.
Advanced screenings at Cinema Paradiso and Luna SX from August 19 to 21. For your chance to win a double pass log on to the Giveaways section of the OUTinPerth website.
Graeme Watson
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