I'm not really too keen on either Michael Caine or Brenda Blethyn, but as Ewan McGregor and Jane Horrocks were also starring in the film I bought the video anyway. What a pleasant surprise, Blethyn was quite remarkable, totally dominates the film.
The plot, if we can call it that, is a variation on the underdog emerging as victorious. Mari Hoff (Blethyn) is a widow with a mouth bigger than the entrance of Eurotunnel. She has a chronically shy and reclusive daughter LV (Horrocks) who can reproduce the voices of Silver Screen Greats, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and the like. Mari's current love interest, Ray Say (Caine), an underachieving talent scout who sees a meal ticket in the vocals of LV. Cue Billy (Ewan McGregor) to provide the younger Hoff's romantic interlude... Not much of a story you'll agree but with Blethyn and Horrocks delivering a first-class performance, who cares?
As I say, I'm not a fan of Blethyn but I have to give her top marks for her characterisation of Mari Hoff, the man-eating, hyperactive
middle-aged widow. If the scriptwriter had in mind a foul-mouthed, nauseating and overbearing control freak when writing, Blethyn admirably delivers. Teetering on her stilettos and smarting lipstick so bright it should carry a health warning, Mari blunders around totally immersed in herself and the search for the elusive wedding band. On first viewing her performance was so intense she gave me a bad head. It was only when I watched it for the second and third times that her skill and perfect delivery became apparent. The constant crackling and sizzling nervous energy she emits as Mari is superb, so commanding and engulfing.
This is not to take anything away from Horrocks though. She also turns in a wonderful performance, but her character is mainly non-verbal and thus totally overwhelmed when in the same scene with Blethyn. Where Horrocks shines is in her outstanding mimicry of the female Goddesses of older Hollywood. Performing all the voices and songs herself, Horrocks shows yet again her many, many talents. Whether it is comedy, straight-acting or drama she always brings something to the part that is unique to her and of which is always believable. Her portrayal of LV is no exception. She has the ability to appear so vulnerable and meek yet in an instant can command the same affected vocal presence as a Hollywood superstar in her hey day. The transition is seamless - and is the hallmark of a multi-talented and highly accomplished actress. Shame that the same cannot be said of Michael Caine, who again plays a character with the equivalent finesse (sic) of a first year drama student.
Maybe it is just me but whenever I see Caine in a film, I don't see a character, all I see is Michael Caine. Playing Ray Say, he is again lifeless and simply gets in the way. Granted his character is 'supporting' but a variance on facial expressions or vocal intonation should not be beyond the reach of an actor with such longevity in the business. I wish there was at least a single redeeming feature of his performance, but alas, no: Blethyn completely overshadows him and he fades in the shade of Horrocks. Even McGregor out-acts him, and his minor part is that of a shy and uncomfortable young man.
It's a pity that McGregor's character wasn't given more purpose and air-time. The non-verbal communication between McGregor and LV is exceptionally well executed, just the right amount of awkwardness and flickering interest. His character needs this interaction with one of the central cast in order to come alive, as he is never developed, simply used as a conduit for LV's progression. The scenes of him alone with his beloved pigeons are presumably meant to further demonstrate his shyness and disjointed connection with society, but the takes are not necessary and serve no purpose. Like Horrocks and other good actors, he is able to communicate quite easily with body language alone.
And talking of 'body'. . .no review would ever be complete without an introduction to Sadie (Annette Badland): a four-feet nothing, mini sumo-wrestler in a smock - complete with the panache of a swatted fly. A non-speaking part, she provides the sounding-board for Mari's sexual shenanigans, but to see her shake her funky 'stuff' to an up-tempo classic in the living room is a sight to behold. Worth the price of the video for that hysterical scene alone.
There can be no doubt that Brenda Blethyn is the star of this film. Her performance is electric and commands the attention whenever she is present. Horrocks shines in her own light, not just with her acting but with the amazing voice that comes forth from such a tiny frame. Together, they are the film, and provide 93 minutes of wonderful entertainment that really does get better with each viewing. Turn a blind eye to the plot and the less creative scenes and this film is a joy to watch.
Enjoy!
* * *
If looking for this video, try the reduced section first. It's been out quite a while so you shouldn't have to pay full price Amazon: vid £12.99, DVD £16.99 Bol.com: vid: £8.99 DVD £17.99
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1997 - Drama - Director: Gillian Armstrong - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Cate Blanchett, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Wilkinson, Richard Roxburgh
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
This is such a good film, why is it only Brits can get away with making this sort of thing. I particularly loved Blethyn, she made me cringe whenever she was on screen. And Caines Karaoke is priceless. Cracking op Cheers Sy
JoJammy 09.11.2001 00:40
Cheers for the advise about looking in the reduced section! Good, readable op :) Cheers Jo :)
marsden 06.11.2001 21:46
Great op, sounds like the kind you'd watch when nothing else much is on, and enjoy it anyway - if you get what I mean??!! Cheers!
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Advantages: A FILM NOT TO BE MISSED! Disadvantages: I cant think of any.
Morning_Becomes_Electra 13.10.2007 (14.10.2007)
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Review of Little Voice (DVD)
Advantages: A FILM NOT TO BE MISSED! Disadvantages: I cant think of any.
Morning_Becomes_Electra 13.10.2007 (14.10.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Little Voice (DVD)
![Little Voice [DVD] [1999]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78540383.jpg "Little Voice [DVD] [1999]")
Oct 25th, 2001
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