Quartet Movie Download

10 / 10

Old age isn’t for sissies, and it’s hell on old opera stars
“Quartet” is a beautiful film directed by Dustin Hoffman, about a retirement home for musicians as the residents prepare for a benefit concert to keep the place going.

The film stars Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Michael Gambon, Billy Connelly, and Pauline Collins, as well as opera performers, including Gwenyth Jones, Nuala Willis, John Rawnsley, Melodie Waddingham, Cynthia Morey, Justin Lavender, Vivienne Ross, and Patricia Varley.

The arrival of diva Jean Horton (Maggie Smith), once married to Reginald (Courtenay) is a reason for Reginald to completely panic. Not that Jean is in great shape either. As she’s traveling to the home, she’s rehearsing what she’ll say to him: “We were different people then.” Problems worsen when the well-meaning Cissy (Pauline Collins) who has moments of dementia, suggests that she, Cissy, Reginald, and Wif (Billy Connolly) perform the Quartet from Rigoletto at the benefit, something they performed many times. The mere suggestion causes Jean to become violent.

This is a great film about aging, about lost love, losing one’s gifts, reconciliation, and coming to terms with life as it is now. The “quartet” of actors, along with Michael Gambon, are fantastic, as is the glorious soundtrack.

Opera lovers and those who appreciate great acting will love this film. Director Hoffman keeps the story from being mawkish or sentimental, mining the humor and the real emotion of the film. Beautifully done.Read More