Maudie - Review
Director: Aisling Walsh
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke
Based on the true story of Maude Lewis' life as a painter in Nova Scotia in the 1930s, Maudie is a sweet tale of the pursuit of love and one's passion no matter what the circumstances may be.
Wanting to gain a sense of independence from her carless brother and overbearing aunt, Maude (Sally Hawkins) answers and advertisement posted by loner fisherman Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke) and goes to work for him as his cleaning lady. Their relationship is initially fraught but this odd couple blossom against expectations and Maude develops a burgeoning career as an artist.
A remarkably heartwarming dramatisation of one woman's life, Maudie encapsulates many prevalent themes that are sure to resonate. In her most depressive of states, Maude turns to art, painting bold and colourful murals on the walls of the small shack that she shares with Everett. Although not well-endowed with art supplies, she does not allow this minor inconvenience to dampen her spirits or put a stop to her passion - Maude has the talent and desire to turn anything into a canvas, expressing herself through brush strokes and paint swirls after years of oppression from her controlling brother and aunt. Maudie focuses on the importance of creating art and whilst her work was beloved far and wide (Vice President Richard Nixon was even a fan), the enrichment the paintings had on her soul was much greater.
The small but talented cast breathe life into a story that has been given little exposure; it's a hidden gem, much like the film's two leading actors. Sally Hawkins has had a long and prolific career, appearing in films such as Mike Leigh's Happy Go Lucky and Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine and earning and Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the latter. Her performance here as the titular character is nothing short of spectacular as she gracefully captures Maude's optimistic spirit and her impaired physicality. Maude's nature may be timid and her physical condition limiting but neither of these factors diminish her contentment of her low-key life or love of art. Meanwhile, Hawke's role is tougher to swallow as he is openly rude and hostile toward Maude when he reluctantly employs her as his maid, and in once instance, he strike her across the face. It's a shocking and even irredeemable act but over the course of the film, Everett softens and his devotion for Maude shines - no matter how hard he tries to conceal it.
Like its central characters, the film is an understated and unflashy affair. Albeit a slow-burner, the picturesque Nova Scotia setting (predominantly shot in Ireland) is the perfect and idyllic backdrop ti this conventional love story made entirely believable by the brilliant script by Sherry White. White expertly builds character through silences and what's not being said, and ultimately, these muted moments add to the beauty of Maude and Everett's relationship.
Although the real Maude Lewis produced her masterpieces single-handedly, the film inspired by her life becomes a work of art through the efforts of every player involved.
EB
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke
Based on the true story of Maude Lewis' life as a painter in Nova Scotia in the 1930s, Maudie is a sweet tale of the pursuit of love and one's passion no matter what the circumstances may be.Wanting to gain a sense of independence from her carless brother and overbearing aunt, Maude (Sally Hawkins) answers and advertisement posted by loner fisherman Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke) and goes to work for him as his cleaning lady. Their relationship is initially fraught but this odd couple blossom against expectations and Maude develops a burgeoning career as an artist.
A remarkably heartwarming dramatisation of one woman's life, Maudie encapsulates many prevalent themes that are sure to resonate. In her most depressive of states, Maude turns to art, painting bold and colourful murals on the walls of the small shack that she shares with Everett. Although not well-endowed with art supplies, she does not allow this minor inconvenience to dampen her spirits or put a stop to her passion - Maude has the talent and desire to turn anything into a canvas, expressing herself through brush strokes and paint swirls after years of oppression from her controlling brother and aunt. Maudie focuses on the importance of creating art and whilst her work was beloved far and wide (Vice President Richard Nixon was even a fan), the enrichment the paintings had on her soul was much greater.
The small but talented cast breathe life into a story that has been given little exposure; it's a hidden gem, much like the film's two leading actors. Sally Hawkins has had a long and prolific career, appearing in films such as Mike Leigh's Happy Go Lucky and Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine and earning and Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the latter. Her performance here as the titular character is nothing short of spectacular as she gracefully captures Maude's optimistic spirit and her impaired physicality. Maude's nature may be timid and her physical condition limiting but neither of these factors diminish her contentment of her low-key life or love of art. Meanwhile, Hawke's role is tougher to swallow as he is openly rude and hostile toward Maude when he reluctantly employs her as his maid, and in once instance, he strike her across the face. It's a shocking and even irredeemable act but over the course of the film, Everett softens and his devotion for Maude shines - no matter how hard he tries to conceal it.
Like its central characters, the film is an understated and unflashy affair. Albeit a slow-burner, the picturesque Nova Scotia setting (predominantly shot in Ireland) is the perfect and idyllic backdrop ti this conventional love story made entirely believable by the brilliant script by Sherry White. White expertly builds character through silences and what's not being said, and ultimately, these muted moments add to the beauty of Maude and Everett's relationship.
Although the real Maude Lewis produced her masterpieces single-handedly, the film inspired by her life becomes a work of art through the efforts of every player involved.
EB
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