Movie Review - The Lady in the Van

The Lady in the Van *** (out of 5) (PG-13) Last week’s review of 45 Years was largely praise of the performance and career of its star, Charlotte Rampling, who deserves to be listed with the likes of this character dramedy’s eponymous star, Maggie Smith. She plays the Colorful Character in a 1970s’ middle-class London neighborhood, maintaining considerable dignity and wit while living an a rusting van, and depending on the kindness of others, without ever seeming the least bit demeaned by her circumstances. Stiffest upper lip on the block. The kindest of those Others is shy playwright Alan Bennett, who wrote this fact-based reminiscence, and wisely chose Alex Jennings to portray his younger self. Jennings is mostly known for working in British TV and theater, but evokes memories Michael Crawford or Alec Guiness in this role.

In a gimmick that works surprisingly well, Jennings’ Bennett is two facets of his persona, frequently chatting with each other. One is the Doer, who acts in the plays and generally deals with the public; the other is the reclusive Chronicler, obsessively scribbling all he experiences and feels, whether for eventual publication or not.

But the heart of the tale is Smith - what’s her backstory? What will happen to her? How did a woman of such obvious breeding and education wind up parking her home on the streets or his yard? Why does hearing any kind of music bother her so much? Maggie makes all the heart, humor and suspense work in fine style. As we’ve come to expect. (2/5/16)