THE DRESSER. Directed by Peter Yates; written by Ronald Harwood; produced by Peter Yates for Columbia. Starring Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay. Rated PG.
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"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." So muses Shakespeare in As You Like It, and he's heartily seconded by The Dresser.
This is a movie where life and art imitate themselves so that most distinctions between the two are lost. It is, among other things, a re-telling of the story of King Lear and his fool. Also a testimony to the ability of art and artists to rise above a world in chaos.
The Dresser is certainly as highbrow as this description indicates. It will probably be enjoyed most by viewers with more than a passing familiarity with Shakespeare. But it's also funny, sad and moving in ways that everyone can appreciate.
In addition, it contains some of the best performances you're likely to see on the screen. The two stars, Courtenay and Finney, are both Best Actor nominees. One or the other of them should win the Oscar, but for the life of me I wouldn't be able to choose between them. All the supporting cast is fine as well. But The Dresser is essentially a two-man show.
Finney is Sir, and this is the only name we know him by. He's a Shakespearean actor well past his prime, but still capable of drawing full houses and giving them their money's worth. Also, at least off and on, he is "quite mad," as the British say.
Sir's "dresser," gentleman'a gentleman, prompter, and keeper is Norman (Courtenay). At times he seems to resent his servant's status. But he is ultimately devoted to Sir. He usually ends up knowing better than anyone else how to get his boss "dressed" and on-stage, with the right lines from the right play on his lips.
A good bit of The Dresser involves preparation for a performance of King Lear. Norman must prod, encourage and insult Sir to avoid canceling the show. In the course of this long sequence, the complex relationship between the two men is examined from every angle.
Now Sir is the consummate professional, applying his makeup. Now Norman has to use tricks I've tried with my three-year-old, to get Sir into his costume and the right frame of mind.
The Dresser is an affectionate look backstage at the world of the theater. People who don't think much of actors, or who feel Shakespeare is overrated, probably won't enjoy this movie. (Although they might!)
But otherwise, I can't recommend it too highly as an entertaining, sophisticated and intellectually challenging movie experience.
March 14, 1984