‘The Father’ examines the devastating effects of dementia on a family. Florian Zeller makes his film debut from his play with the same name. The way the story is visually told is brilliant. It is emotionally painful and heartbreaking watching the protagonist struggle with his deteriorating memory. Anthony Hopkins delivers a tour-de-force performance as the older man no longer in control of his own mind. It is a character study that plays out like a psychological thriller. The film is a masterpiece due to a stellar ensemble cast, expert camera work and clever editing. ‘The Father’ is one of the best films of the year and should not be missed.
The film is primarily told from the perspective of Anthony (Hopkins) in his London flat. His daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) visits him daily to make sure he is taking his medication and not chasing off another caregiver. He keeps asking to see his youngest daughter, Lucy. The audience sees him interacting with several people. This is what makes the narrative so engrossing as well as unsettling. We are seeing all of it play out through him. Anne introduces Anthony to a new caretaker, Laura (Imogen Poots). She bears a striking resemblance to his daughter Lucy. In another scene, a man sits in his chair. Who is this stranger? Is this really Anthony’s flat? The film is confined to this enclosed space. Zeller reveals clues as to what might be happening. It also reveals how the illness makes Anthony’s world grow smaller.
Going through the whole plot would be futile. The actors switch roles and it is uncertain at times where the film actually takes place. At one point, he is a charmer and suddenly his mood changes as he accuses people of stealing his watch. It is interesting how important it is for him to keep track of time. This is why the watch has so much significance. After he has an argument with Anne, she leaves the apartment and Anthony sees a stranger sitting in his living room. Is that Anne’s husband? We are not exactly sure but what becomes clear is the audience gets as confused as him. Anthony is letting us into his bewildered world and it is gut-wrenching to watch. Here is a man that is trying to hold onto the life he once had in a posh flat, listening to classical music, surrounded by art and books.
It is unquestionable that Anthony Hopkins has had a stellar acting career on stage and screen. This performance is possibly one of his crowned achievements. I would not be surprised if he walked away with the Best Actor Academy Award. He is that good. This is not a stereotypical performance of a man losing his memory. You see his struggles through his facial expressions and body movements. You cannot help but feel empathy for him as he loses his grip on reality. Olivia Colman’s performance is equally compelling. Her character Anne has to make some difficult choices for her father’s care and well being. It masterfully shows how dementia affects her as much as him.
Hopkins is at the top of his craft in ‘The Father.’ It is a brilliant performance. He slowly shows how dementia is taking over his mind. He does it in a dignified manner. You will be invested into this film until the screen turns dark. The director accomplishes this by taking us into Anthony’s psyche. We are there with him as the mystery unfolds before our very eyes. Bravo, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Bravo!
