The Critic

SEPTEMBER 20-25

It’s London in the 1930s, before the outbreak of WWII: Adolf Hitler hasn’t yet become England’s most despised tyrant so it’s up to snobbish, viper-tongued theatre critic Jimmy Erskine to fill that loathsome role. Erskine wields his considerable power like Burt Lancaster did in Sweet Smell of Success, and as played by Sir Ian McKellen, Jimmy’s even more intimidating. His caustic wit, condescending attitude, narcissism, and self-entitlement make him a nightmare even for those not on the receiving end of his devastating reviews in the London Chronicle. Jimmy is also proudly gay at a time when homosexuality was a criminal offense in England; but rather than temper his power, this fact gives Jimmy (nicknamed “The Monster” by the theatre world) a righteous anger that further fuels his nasty put-downs and withering sarcasm. Though he feels himself untouchable, Jimmy’s reign of terror is threatened by new editor David Brooke (Mark Strong). A morals charge arrest gives Brooke an excuse to serve Jimmy notice from the Chronicle… but The Monster won’t go quietly. Jimmy plots a dastardly revenge; as his plan unfolds, the movie gets wilder and darker, culminating in the appearance of some real Fascists (the British Union of Fascists, in fact). Director Anand Tucker and screenwriter Patrick Marber have a grand time with this noir melodrama, and players like Gemma Atherton and Lesley Manville clearly relish their roles—but it’s McKellen, of course, that moviegoers come to see: he’s played roles as extravagant as Richard III and Magneto, but Jimmy Erskine might be his most wickedly enjoyable baddie yet: a Machiavellian schemer that every actor who’s been on the receiving end of a vicious critical drubbing ones day dreams of playing. Sir Ian McKellen strikes a blow for actors everywhere with this magnificently over-the-top, satirical send-up.     

(Rated R for profanity and sexual content.)

General | $12
Senior/Student | $10
Member | $8
Doors open 30 min before the film. Buy tickets at the box office or ahead of time online!