Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool

Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool is a 2017 movie based on the memoir by Peter Turner. It is directed by Paul McGuigan and stars Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, and Kenneth Cranham. The story is about the relationship between actress Gloria Grahame and Peter Turner, a young British actor, during the last years of her life.

The movie starts in the 1970s when Gloria Grahame, a former Hollywood star, collapses in a Liverpool hotel. Peter Turner meets her by chance and offers to take care of her. As they spend time together, their bond grows stronger, despite the age gap between them. Flashbacks show how they met and fell in love.

Annette Bening plays Gloria Grahame, a woman who has seen better days but still has her charm and talent. Bening captures the vulnerability and the wit of the actress, who is aware of her fading fame but refuses to give up. She also conveys the pain and the fear of a woman who knows she is dying but tries to hide it from the world.

Jamie Bell plays Peter Turner, a struggling actor who falls in love with Gloria Grahame. Bell is convincing as a young man who is both infatuated and intimidated by the glamorous actress. He also shows the tenderness and the strength of a man who wants to take care of someone he loves.

Kenneth Cranham plays Peter's father, who is skeptical of his son's relationship with Gloria Grahame. Cranham's performance adds depth to the story, as he represents the generation gap between the old Hollywood and the new Britain. He also shows the conflict between a father and a son who have different goals in life.

The movie is set in Liverpool, a city that is as important to the story as the characters themselves. The city's gloomy atmosphere and the contrast between its working-class neighborhoods and Gloria Grahame's glamour reflect the themes of the movie: love, aging, and the passing of time.

The cinematography and the music of the movie are also noteworthy. The camera work is elegant and fluid, capturing the beauty of the actors and the locations. The soundtrack features classic songs from the 1960s and the 1970s, creating a nostalgic tone that matches the story's mood.

Overall, Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool is a touching and well-crafted movie that honors the memory of Gloria Grahame and her legacy. It is a tribute to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of death. It is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and remember the people you loved and lost.