Don't get me wrong, I think it's great when cinemas attract audiences of all ages. From children on their first trip to experience the magic of cinema, to film veterans who saw Casablanca when it was first released, a visit to the cinema should be an all-inclusive experience. However, until a film such as The King's Speech comes along, mainstream cinemas are usually devoid of the presence of anyone over the age of forty-five (in 2007, 65% of 15 to 34 year olds visited the cinema at least once a month, compared to just 15% of over 45 year olds). Crazy. Either middle-aged people stay at home watching repeats of Bargain Hunt or don't visit their local World of Cine because there simply aren't enough films aimed at their age bracket. It is pleasing, then, when a film such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel comes along.
When I went to a screening of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel I was most definitely the youngest audience member by about forty years. It was as if I had walked into a retirement home, with a massive projection screen in place of the TV. And what a well-behaved audience they were! No annoying mobile phones being flashed every five minutes, no rustling of popcorn or crisp packets (indeed, many had chosen to bring packed lunches instead!). And never before has an audience mirrored a film so well. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sees a group of retired Brits who decide to up-sticks and move to a hotel in India which promises a golden environment for their golden years. However, on their arrival, the hotel is less than luxurious but still manages to charm its guests in unexpected ways. The most striking feature of this film is its cast, which seems to have been assembled from a who's-who of British acting veterans, including Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Celia Imrie, Bill Nighy and Penelope Wilton. Not since Laurence Olivier's funeral have so many top names been seen together. The presence of these acting greats certainly makes the film and every cast member gives a strong and humorous performance. Dev Patel as the hotel's somewhat dysfunctional manager provides much comedy and his energy and dynamism on screen is infectious.
Written by Ol Parker (wrote several episodes of Grange Hill wouldn't you know?!) and adapted from a novel by Deborah Moggach, the film is very funny and it made me laugh out loud on several occasions (although not as many times as the woman in front of me who, every time she laughed, sounded as if she was having a helium-induced asthma attack). The film is, in general, well-paced and captures the essence of India and its vibrancy superbly. Some have attacked this stereo-typical 'tourist' representation of India, arguing that the film does little to find the 'real' India and relies too heavily on the stereo-typical colours, sounds and smiles of the Indian people. I don't agree with this interpretation as the whole film is centred around the idea of ageing Brits throwing themselves into the unknown and so India, with its rich culture and bustling streets, would appear to them in this way. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was never going to be a ground-breaker: indeed, it's as conservative as Maggie Smith's character's views about foreigners (i.e. not exactly PC), but this doesn't devalue the film in any way.
The script is competently constructed and contains a clear message without being overly-preachy and is genuinely funny, something which many comedies these days are not. Whilst I did find a few of the plot lines slightly predictable and clunky, the acting made up for this and the sensitive cinematography was very easy to watch. Maybe this is both the success of the film and its main problem. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a charming and mellow film which will be perfect Sunday night viewing and yet, this 'playing-it-safe' attitude is both unadventurous and slightly flat. The film lacks a spark and vitality (I know the cast are hardly spring chickens, but still) which would have lifted it up a level. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but I left the cinema slightly mellowed by the whole experience. Not the greatest criticism of a film but neither a great selling-point. Nevertheless, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a charming and witty film, with its heart in the right place and I'm sure you'll be smiling throughout. Just don't laugh too hard or you may well lose your dentures...
Clapperboard Rating: * * *
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