The Dresser

The Dresser is a compelling drama movie released in 2015, featuring an ensemble cast of Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen, and Emily Watson. Directed by Richard Eyre and adapted by Ronald Harwood from his own 1980 play, the film revives a poignant tale of the theatre during wartime Britain with an intimate look at the complex dynamics that exist behind the scenes.

A revisitation of a critically acclaimed play, the film retains the brilliant wordplay, tight scripting, and dramatic intensity of its source material. The storyline primarily revolves around the relationship between Sir, played masterfully by Anthony Hopkins, and his faithful dresser, Norman, brilliantly portrayed by Ian McKellen. Sir is an aging actor-manager leading his touring theatre troupe across wartime Britain, and Norman is his dedicated servant who maintains an almost obsessive care for his erratic and demanding master.

Sir suffers from an evident decline in physical and mental health although he remains a relentless thespian, energetically performing grueling Shakespeare plays night after night to the cheering audience. Despite his deteriorating condition, he can hardly imagine a life outside the theatre. Hopkins does an exceptional job illustrating the complexity and vulnerability of Sir, who is battling self-doubt, old age, and the strain of carrying an entire troupe on his frail shoulders while the world outside is falling apart.

Meanwhile, McKellen's Norman presents an incredible dedication to Sir, acting as a source of strength, resilience, and sanity for him. Threaded with subtle humor, their camaraderie is beautifully portrayed in a way that breaks the boundaries of the typical master-servant relationship. Norman's commitment to Sir is matched only by his own love for the theatre and respect for the craft. McKellen successfully gives depth to Norman’s character, revealing the underlying emotions behind his devotion.

Emily Watson steps into the role of Her Ladyship, who is Sir's long-time lover, an actress in the troupe, and is struggling with her own grievances and unfulfilled ambitions. Watson's captivating portrayal adds another layer to the film, offering an inside look at the emotional tolls actors often pay in their pursuit of art.

The Dresser paints a vivid picture of the life and struggles of a theatre troupe during the unsettling period of World War II. Though overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of the war, the bond between Sir and Norman is fierce and undying, fraught with complex emotions, embodying the spirit of theatre itself.

Throughout the film, the viewers are invited to backstage scenes, dressing rooms, and dimly lit corridors, creating a profound sense of atmosphere that is both intimate and realistic, diluting the boundary between life and art. The film uses the war backdrop as a metaphorical tool to highlight the struggles of the characters, making it even more potent and relatable.

The Dresser also provides plenty of insights into the demanding world of theatre, the demanding labor, mental strength, and sacrifices it takes to make every performance a success, and how personal lives get intertwined with the art.

This deeply moving film doesn’t shy away from delving into themes like loneliness, failing health, dependency, and loss, all swathed in the compelling world of theatre. It is a tribute to the timeless allure of the stage, while also being a heartfelt human drama, filled with splendid performances, unspoken love, and palpable emotions. Both Hopkins and McKellen stand out in their respective roles, offering a masterclass in acting with their magnetic on-screen chemistry.

In conclusion, The Dresser is not just a film about a theatre troupe trying to keep the show running amid the disruptions of war; it’s a timeless tale of camaraderie, dedication, hardship, and survival. The concise adaptation of the original play, combined with excellent performances and direction, make this film a must-watch for fans of theatre and powerful human dramas. It’s a warm, sad, funny, and ultimately profound narrative that thoughtfully reflects on the very nature of performance, spotlighting the fleeting transience of life captured so symbolically by the world of theatre.