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The Dresser (2015 film)

October 21, 2023

The Dresser is a 2015 British television drama film directed by Richard Eyre and based on the 1980 play by Ronald Harwood. It stars Ian McKellen, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Watson, Vanessa Kirby, Sarah Lancashire and Edward Fox. The story examines the relationship between an aging Shakespearean actor and his theatrical dresser, as well as the other members of his theatrical company, as he grapples with the approach of senility and irrelevance. Like the play which serves as its basis, the film's central relationship draws inspiration from Shakespeare's King Lear.[citation needed] The film premiered on BBC Two on 31 October 2015.[1][2][3][4]

The Dresser
Television release poster
Based onThe Dresser
by Ronald Harwood
Screenplay byRichard Eyre
Directed byRichard Eyre
StarringIan McKellen
Anthony Hopkins
Emily Watson
Vanessa Kirby
Sarah Lancashire
Edward Fox
Theme music composerStephen Warbeck
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerSuzan Harrison
CinematographyBen Smithard
Running time120 minutes
Production companiesBBC
Playground Entertainment
Sonia Friedman Productions
Release
Original networkBBC Two
Original release
  • 31 October 2015 (2015-10-31)

Plot Edit

The film centres on the relationship between an ageing Shakespearean actor, named only as "Sir", and his theatrical dresser, Norman. It is set entirely in the backstage area (and briefly, the main stage) of a London playhouse during the Blitz.

It opens with a meeting between Norman and Sir's (apparent) wife, "Her Ladyship", in Sir's dressing room following a difficult visit to Sir in hospital. At Her Ladyship's frantic behest, Norman explains the events which had led to Sir's admission. He had discovered Sir wandering the streets of London during an air raid: his erratic behaviour, including trampling his hat and coat and making a public spectacle, induced Norman to take him to the hospital, despite his being scheduled for a performance of King Lear that evening. Norman regrets this, while Her Ladyship, concerned for Sir's ability to perform, considers cancelling the performance on account of illness. Norman, who has been with Sir as his dresser for nearly thirty years, and has never seen his company cancel a performance, pleads with Her Ladyship and company stage manager Madge (Sarah Lancashire) to postpone the cancellation and allow him to visit Sir in the hospital. As he begs, Sir reappears in his dressing room, having "discharged himself" from medical care.

Sir insists that he be allowed to prepare for the evening's performance, to the shock and dismay of Her Ladyship and Madge. Obviously exhausted, and approaching senility or dementia, the elderly Sir views each performance as essential to his reputation as a respected classical actor. Sir begins to prepare between bouts of amnesia and jealous weeping, accidentally blackening himself for the role of Othello instead of King Lear and forgetting the lines which begin the play; meanwhile, Norman attempts to defuse his flaring temper with silliness and reminiscing. Her Ladyship and Madge both attempt to check in on Sir, but Norman refuses to let them enter. Various members of the company, whose numbers have been dwindling with the loss of so many young actors to the war in Europe, appear for Sir's appraisal, including the pretty young actress Irene (Vanessa Kirby) toward whom Sir behaves inappropriately; demure and miscast Thornton (Edward Fox) in the role of Fool; and the standoffish Oxenby as Edmund, who refuses to "muck in" and assist with offstage production activities. Sir attempts to write in his memoirs without success.

The performance finally begins, as the sheepish but obviously attention-hungry Norman makes a fool of himself in his curtain speech warning of the air raid. As the play approaches Sir's first entrance, it is unclear whether he will be physically able to perform; however, after initially missing his cue, he begins a passionate, inspired performance of the play's most important speeches. Oxenby begrudgingly assists with the backstage sounds for the storm scene, while Norman plainly relishes any role given to him in the running of the production.

During the interval, Sir returns exhausted to his dressing room while Norman congratulates him and prepares him to sleep until his next entrance; however, Her Ladyship enters and awakens him, imploring him to retire from the stage following the performance. Sir refuses, and Her Ladyship laments his self-centred, egotistical nature and her own choice to live in his shadow. It is revealed that Sir refused to divorce his first wife for Her Ladyship because he hoped to retain eligibility for a knighthood. She threatens to leave the company and Sir forever, but Sir pleads for her not to go; when it becomes apparent Her Ladyship has relented, he turns malicious and belittles her hopes for a life outside his shadow. After she leaves, Irene attempts to enter, but Sir has her summon Madge, to whom he tells his wishes for his press clippings of theatrical reviews for his career, and to whom he gives an heirloom ring from actor Edmund Kean. Madge reveals she has loved Sir since her time at the company began, which Sir uses to assuage his wounded ego. Irene then enters, and Sir makes a sexual advance after signing a photograph for her. Norman returns and jealously listens through the door. Sir takes Irene in his arms as he would Cordelia, then casts her off; as Irene exits, Norman accosts her about what occurred, but Irene refuses to divulge any information. Norman expels her from the company, against the authority of Sir.

The play resumes, and Sir continues his exceptional performance. After the curtain falls, Sir changes out of his costume and shows some tenderness toward Norman, asking what will happen to him if Sir is unable to continue performing, an idea Norman dismisses. Thornton appears and expresses his joy at having played the principal role of Fool, extemporising on the opportunity theatre offers to even older actors. Sir becomes distant and withdrawn, dismissing Norman's attempts at cheer and preparation for the next night's performance of Richard III. Her Ladyship appears to say a spiteful goodnight, followed by Oxenby, who diminishes Sir's authority in the company. Sir becomes distraught, and Norman's attempts to comfort Sir as he lies down to sleep are largely ignored. Norman asserts that he is "never despairing," and claims to be unconcerned about his own legacy, in contrast to Sir. Sir asks Norman to read aloud the dedication to his memoirs, which contain dedications to Her Ladyship and the "spirit of all actors and those who do the work of the theatre ... and the memory of William Shakespeare"; as Norman does so, Sir dies. Norman slowly realises this, and becomes distraught and spiteful towards Sir, who has failed to mention him in the dedications. He calls for Madge, who is tender with Sir's remains. While Madge telephones Her Ladyship to give her the news, Norman secretly adds "dressers" to the list of dedications. Norman is obviously contemptuous and expresses cowardice about his own future. As Madge begins to leave in tears, Norman claims he "wouldn't give [Sir] a good character in a court of law." The two scrap, and Madge leaves distraught; Norman is left alone with Sir's body. He begins to tell one of the stories which used to cheer Sir, but stops himself.

Cast Edit

Production Edit

Filming began in London in March 2015.[5]

References Edit

  1. ^ "Broadcasting of The Dresser". BBC.
  2. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy. "Anthony Hopkins & Ian McKellen On 'The Dresser' Set". Deadline. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  3. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (9 January 2015). "'The Dresser' With Anthony Hopkins & Ian McKellen Picked Up By Starz". Deadline. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  4. ^ "The Dresser, review: a triumph for Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen". Telegraph. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  5. ^ "Production commences on The Dresser starring Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen". BBC. Retrieved 27 March 2015.

External links Edit

October 21, 2023
dresser, 2015, film, dresser, 2015, british, television, drama, film, directed, richard, eyre, based, 1980, play, ronald, harwood, stars, mckellen, anthony, hopkins, emily, watson, vanessa, kirby, sarah, lancashire, edward, story, examines, relationship, betwe. The Dresser is a 2015 British television drama film directed by Richard Eyre and based on the 1980 play by Ronald Harwood It stars Ian McKellen Anthony Hopkins Emily Watson Vanessa Kirby Sarah Lancashire and Edward Fox The story examines the relationship between an aging Shakespearean actor and his theatrical dresser as well as the other members of his theatrical company as he grapples with the approach of senility and irrelevance Like the play which serves as its basis the film s central relationship draws inspiration from Shakespeare s King Lear citation needed The film premiered on BBC Two on 31 October 2015 1 2 3 4 The DresserTelevision release posterBased onThe Dresserby Ronald HarwoodScreenplay byRichard EyreDirected byRichard EyreStarringIan McKellenAnthony HopkinsEmily WatsonVanessa KirbySarah LancashireEdward FoxTheme music composerStephen WarbeckCountry of originUnited KingdomOriginal languageEnglishProductionProducerSuzan HarrisonCinematographyBen SmithardRunning time120 minutesProduction companiesBBCPlayground EntertainmentSonia Friedman ProductionsReleaseOriginal networkBBC TwoOriginal release31 October 2015 2015 10 31 Contents 1 Plot 2 Cast 3 Production 4 References 5 External linksPlot EditThis section s plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed Please help improve it by removing unnecessary details and making it more concise December 2020 Learn how and when to remove this template message The film centres on the relationship between an ageing Shakespearean actor named only as Sir and his theatrical dresser Norman It is set entirely in the backstage area and briefly the main stage of a London playhouse during the Blitz It opens with a meeting between Norman and Sir s apparent wife Her Ladyship in Sir s dressing room following a difficult visit to Sir in hospital At Her Ladyship s frantic behest Norman explains the events which had led to Sir s admission He had discovered Sir wandering the streets of London during an air raid his erratic behaviour including trampling his hat and coat and making a public spectacle induced Norman to take him to the hospital despite his being scheduled for a performance of King Lear that evening Norman regrets this while Her Ladyship concerned for Sir s ability to perform considers cancelling the performance on account of illness Norman who has been with Sir as his dresser for nearly thirty years and has never seen his company cancel a performance pleads with Her Ladyship and company stage manager Madge Sarah Lancashire to postpone the cancellation and allow him to visit Sir in the hospital As he begs Sir reappears in his dressing room having discharged himself from medical care Sir insists that he be allowed to prepare for the evening s performance to the shock and dismay of Her Ladyship and Madge Obviously exhausted and approaching senility or dementia the elderly Sir views each performance as essential to his reputation as a respected classical actor Sir begins to prepare between bouts of amnesia and jealous weeping accidentally blackening himself for the role of Othello instead of King Lear and forgetting the lines which begin the play meanwhile Norman attempts to defuse his flaring temper with silliness and reminiscing Her Ladyship and Madge both attempt to check in on Sir but Norman refuses to let them enter Various members of the company whose numbers have been dwindling with the loss of so many young actors to the war in Europe appear for Sir s appraisal including the pretty young actress Irene Vanessa Kirby toward whom Sir behaves inappropriately demure and miscast Thornton Edward Fox in the role of Fool and the standoffish Oxenby as Edmund who refuses to muck in and assist with offstage production activities Sir attempts to write in his memoirs without success The performance finally begins as the sheepish but obviously attention hungry Norman makes a fool of himself in his curtain speech warning of the air raid As the play approaches Sir s first entrance it is unclear whether he will be physically able to perform however after initially missing his cue he begins a passionate inspired performance of the play s most important speeches Oxenby begrudgingly assists with the backstage sounds for the storm scene while Norman plainly relishes any role given to him in the running of the production During the interval Sir returns exhausted to his dressing room while Norman congratulates him and prepares him to sleep until his next entrance however Her Ladyship enters and awakens him imploring him to retire from the stage following the performance Sir refuses and Her Ladyship laments his self centred egotistical nature and her own choice to live in his shadow It is revealed that Sir refused to divorce his first wife for Her Ladyship because he hoped to retain eligibility for a knighthood She threatens to leave the company and Sir forever but Sir pleads for her not to go when it becomes apparent Her Ladyship has relented he turns malicious and belittles her hopes for a life outside his shadow After she leaves Irene attempts to enter but Sir has her summon Madge to whom he tells his wishes for his press clippings of theatrical reviews for his career and to whom he gives an heirloom ring from actor Edmund Kean Madge reveals she has loved Sir since her time at the company began which Sir uses to assuage his wounded ego Irene then enters and Sir makes a sexual advance after signing a photograph for her Norman returns and jealously listens through the door Sir takes Irene in his arms as he would Cordelia then casts her off as Irene exits Norman accosts her about what occurred but Irene refuses to divulge any information Norman expels her from the company against the authority of Sir The play resumes and Sir continues his exceptional performance After the curtain falls Sir changes out of his costume and shows some tenderness toward Norman asking what will happen to him if Sir is unable to continue performing an idea Norman dismisses Thornton appears and expresses his joy at having played the principal role of Fool extemporising on the opportunity theatre offers to even older actors Sir becomes distant and withdrawn dismissing Norman s attempts at cheer and preparation for the next night s performance of Richard III Her Ladyship appears to say a spiteful goodnight followed by Oxenby who diminishes Sir s authority in the company Sir becomes distraught and Norman s attempts to comfort Sir as he lies down to sleep are largely ignored Norman asserts that he is never despairing and claims to be unconcerned about his own legacy in contrast to Sir Sir asks Norman to read aloud the dedication to his memoirs which contain dedications to Her Ladyship and the spirit of all actors and those who do the work of the theatre and the memory of William Shakespeare as Norman does so Sir dies Norman slowly realises this and becomes distraught and spiteful towards Sir who has failed to mention him in the dedications He calls for Madge who is tender with Sir s remains While Madge telephones Her Ladyship to give her the news Norman secretly adds dressers to the list of dedications Norman is obviously contemptuous and expresses cowardice about his own future As Madge begins to leave in tears Norman claims he wouldn t give Sir a good character in a court of law The two scrap and Madge leaves distraught Norman is left alone with Sir s body He begins to tell one of the stories which used to cheer Sir but stops himself Cast EditIan McKellen as Norman Anthony Hopkins as Sir Emily Watson as Her Ladyship Vanessa Kirby as Irene Sarah Lancashire as Madge Edward Fox as Thornton Fox had played the role of Oxenby in the 1983 cinema film of the play Tom Brooke as Oxenby Edmond Matthew Cottle as Albany Ian Conningham as Kent Helen Bradbury as Regan John Ashton as Gloucester Annalisa Rossi as Goneril Carl Sanderson as CornwallProduction EditFilming began in London in March 2015 5 References Edit Broadcasting of The Dresser BBC Tartaglione Nancy Anthony Hopkins amp Ian McKellen On The Dresser Set Deadline Retrieved 17 January 2016 Andreeva Nellie 9 January 2015 The Dresser With Anthony Hopkins amp Ian McKellen Picked Up By Starz Deadline Retrieved 17 January 2016 The Dresser review a triumph for Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen Telegraph Retrieved 17 January 2016 Production commences on The Dresser starring Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen BBC Retrieved 27 March 2015 External links EditThe Dresser at IMDb Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title The Dresser 2015 film amp oldid 1149476994, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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