Monday Night Film Series presents THE CRITIC - FR

Event date(s): February 03, 2025
Time(s): 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Category: Fredericton
Location: Fredericton

The Monday Night Film Series presents THE CRITIC on Monday Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Tilley 102, UNB.

Set in 1930s London, The Critic follows the powerful and influential theater critic Jimmy Erskine (Sir Ian McKellen). Erskine revels in his ability to make or break careers with his scathing reviews, living a life filled with indulgence and secretive pleasures. However, his comfortable existence is threatened when the new steward of the Chronicle, Richard Brooke (Mark Strong), seeks to revitalize the newspaper, putting Erskine in the crosshairs due to his controversial lifestyle and sharp critiques.

As the pressure mounts, Erskine hatches a blackmail scheme involving struggling actress Nina Land (Gemma Arterton), who desperately seeks his favor to save her faltering career. Nina, herself caught in a web of illicit romance, becomes an unwitting pawn in Erskine's dangerous game. The plot thickens as Erskine manipulates both Nina and Brooke, leading to a series of events with deadly consequences.

With the backdrop of pre-WWII England and the rise of fascism, the tension escalates, exposing the dark underbelly of the theater world and the personal vendettas simmering beneath the surface. Erskine's interactions with his young lover/secretary (Alfred Enoch) and his manipulative dealings with Brooke and Nina paint a complex picture of a man struggling to maintain his influence in a rapidly changing society.

Directed by Anand Tucker and adapted by Patrick Marber from Anthony Quinn's novel Curtain Call, The Critic is a gripping tale of ambition, deceit, and survival. McKellen's performance as Erskine is mesmerizing, capturing the character's vulnerability, cunning, and desperation. The film's rich narrative and stellar cast, including Lesley Manville, bring to life a story brimming with intrigue and dark twists, making The Critic an unforgettable cinematic experience.

“... Directed by Tucker with assurance and panache, The Critic is the kind of entertainment, busy with plot, bordering on farce, but shaded with dark motive, that used to be the speciality of Ealing Studios.” Tom Shone, Sunday Times (UK

“Anand Tucker’s bitter thriller shows human frailty and the ability to sink into evil, with merciless clarity. This character study/crime/ period piece, is certainly elegant enlivened by a witty script.” Anne Brodie, What She Said

“Handsomely mounted, with sumptuous period details, The Critic and its topflight performances detail mostly despicable people who hide their nefarious motivations behind an upper-class veneer.” Richard Crouse

This term, 15 limited release, independent foreign & Canadian films will be shown. Admission is $10/film, but a half-yearly film society membership reduces admission cost to $7/film. The series is open to all. Memberships are available at Tilley 102 every Monday night.

For further info, contact NB Film Co-op 455-1632  info@nbfilmcoop.com  https://www.nbfilmcoop.com/monday-night-film-series 

The NB Film Co-op in partnership with the UNB Faculty of Arts, UNB Conference Services, and the Toronto Film Festival presents the series.

Building: Tilley Hall

Room Number: Room 102