The Leisure Seeker (2018)

(I am not a semi-professional reviewer) My wife and I could not figure out who the audience might be for this. We concluded folks 20-40 would be bored to tears and Seniors might feel it was a little close to home. We were both certain this could never turn a profit (but who knows?). Perhaps it could be marketed as a sensitivity training film for health care providers/workers. It did get the message across that two old folks with major health issues might have frightening and complicated consequences.

I eagerly watched this film recently with my wife, largely due to the two lead actors. My wife and I are both advancing in years and have a long term marriage of nearly 40 years so we have some commonality with the characters in the film. We were very disappointed. These characters were not even close to believable. I found the wife's character domineering, manipulative and selfish but presented as if she were caring and compassionate. The actions of the husband where totally unbelievable. Not even close to reality and he could not possibly function in the way he was presented. This wasn't fiction so much as disrespectful fantasy. I was staggered that two such fine actors could allow themselves to be placed in a film that, far from celebrating a couples life and love, simply worked to the current political agenda. I have seen other films treat similar themes with much more dignity and respect.

Love Helen Mirren, who is something of a national treasure. Similarly, the subject matter and how the film was advertised (although being in the shadow of other films released at the same time, ones people are more likely to go and see, so was not advertised as much and wasn't done so enough) interested and appealed to me. While not a great film, 'The Leisure Seeker' to me was a good lovely film and achieved at what it set out to do, in portraying the realities of people's final stages and appreciating people you are with more or even more. For me, it is much better than the mixed reviews it's gotten, don't agree personally that it's wasted by the story or has little to say. Have not read the book, having had no knowledge of it, but regardless of how it compares will compare 'The Leisure Seeker' as a standalone and as an overall film. To me that is a much fairer way to judge, especially when there are films or adaptations that may be bad adaptations of source material but are good to great films on their own merits, old and new.Sure, surprises are very few, it is a predictable film. Especially the ending, one that is obvious too early and didn't ring true and somewhat contrived somehow to me. Also felt that the political elements were heavy-handed and not necessary. The accidental joining of the anti-Donald Trump rally is amusing, but for somebody who has gotten sick and tired of constantly hearing about Trump (will briefly say he is one of my least favourite people ever), the political elements was something that the film could easily have done without. On the other hand, Donald Sutherland and especially Helen Mirren are wonderful in the lead roles and have a very charming and touching chemistry together, their characters very rootable. The rest of the cast are solid, but their characters are nowhere near as interesting as the leads. There is the odd funny moment but lots of heart-wrenching ones, did reach for my tissue pack more than once. The two are balanced beautifully. 'The Leisure Seeker' is very nicely filmed and competently directed, allowing the leads to shine and mixing comedy and drama with little problem. The music fits well and the script not only achieves delivering on both the comedy and drama but also as aforementioned balancing them together. The story is charming, sweet and poignant, with thought-provoking moments and makes one feel inspired and appreciative. What it says may not be much new, but it doesn't not have anything to say. The pace never felt dull. In summary, lovely though flawed film that is better than given credit for. 7/10 Bethany Cox

23 April 2018First film of choice at The Plaza Dorchester tonight - The Leisure Seeker. Yes, it was a slow film but it totally suited the subject and I feel provides food for thought. Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland seemed an odd couple to put together, but this worked. A very credible southern accent and a non-stop chatter actually endeared me to Helen Mirren's character, she has a lot to put up with but the deep seated love for her husband made her carry on and gave her that strength to provide the support for her confused spouse. Wonderful performances in this tender film about the pressures of ageing with an ailing body or an ailing mind. Donald Sutherland plays John who suffers from memory loss and most the time lives happily in a world of his own. Helen Mirren Is Ella who has a tumour and doesn't want to go to treatment she's been checked before. Unbeknownst to their children they then take off in their ancient Winnebago nicknamed The Leisure Seeker. Following the road south to the Florida Keys, they relive their lives through forgotten memories and new discoveries and both relearn and forget things. Many reviews have not been very good for this film, indeed one particular one stated 'two great actors in dead-end roles. What I feel these people have failed to see that this is a story about how ordinary people deal with extraordinary things going on in their lives, it doesn't matter who the stars are, this can happen to anyone, who of us doesn't know someone suffering with memory loss or terminal diseases. This film had moments of humour especially as we witness confusion experience by John as he repeatedly forgot where he was or who he was with. However, we shouldn't feel guilty about laughing at such moments. Laughter can be a good remedy for the helplessness that must wash over you as you face such situations. A very moving and thought provoking film.