A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.
Based on a true story, Philomena is a movie that defies expectations. On the surface, it could just be an unlikely road trip pairing or an overly sentimental portrayal of the search for a lost child. Instead this true story meshed with a wonderfully crafted script, magnificent acting performances and accomplished directing has given us a powerful and moving piece of cinema. We meet Philomena Lee (Sophie Kennedy Clark and Judi Dench) orphaned as a child and raised at a convent in Ireland. While essentially locked into servitude to repay the debt of her upbringing, she falls pregnant. Philomena is for the most part kept away from her child and one day finds the the Nuns have arranged his adoption. Fifty years after, Philomena confides this regret to her daughter, unable to cope with her loss much longer. A chance encounter with a disgraced politician/journalist (Martin Sixsmith, played by Steve Coogan who also wrote and produced the film) leads to an unlikely pairing as Sixsmith and Philomena start a journey to try and track down her son.
At its core Philomena is a simple but heartfelt tale. As labelled in the movie itself, it is a ‘human interest’ story. However, as straightforward as it seems, the film is deeply layered with emotional arcs; a deep multi-faceted relationship that develops between the leads and opens up commentary on both the work of journalists and the actions of some individuals under the protection of religion. The growth of each is a marvel to watch; the aloof Sixsmith disarmed by the charms and courage of Philomena. Their journey takes them back to the convent and all the way over to America, where Philomena is delightfully enchanted by the adventure. Both characters are seeking a form of redemption and closure, with the film tackling injustice and misconceptions alike.
Obviously the film brings up religious themes, specifically questions of faith and a dark Chapter in the history of the Irish Catholic church. Suffice to say if your film features nuns and Whoopi Goldberg doesn’t pop up, they’re probably up to no good. But, Philomena does not seek to lay judgment, only to portray events as they happened. Sixsmith is a manifestation of the audience in his lack of awareness and growing rage as he finds out more details about not only the practices that were tantamount to slavery but also child trafficking and the coverups afterwards. The ‘Magdalene laundries’ (which shockingly persisted until the ’80s) were run by nuns and priests who for large sums of money set up adoptions for wealthy Americans. Such was the tale of Philomena’s son. It really is a travesty and worth remembering that for how personal and intimate a tale is being told here, there were hundreds of more women affected. The film also looks at the portrayal of journalism. Sixsmith’s reasons for taking the story were probably selfish (using her to redeem his journalistic career), but his genuine affection for Philomena comes through. However, the portrayal of his editor and paper continues to castigate this form of media as being somewhat cold and vulturistic.
There are really only two people in the main cast but their interplay allows a look at a multitude of relationships. From a generational point of view, a mother and son, a non-believer vs believer and someone shocked and angry over the events the film deals with countered by someone who has had a lifetime to process the hurt. It is a fascinating dynamic and a credit to both actors involved that the layers are so successful. Coogan is a fine actor primarily know for his comedic roles in such films as Night at the Museum, Tropic Thunder and Hamlet 2. But his TV resume is lesser known in the states and shows such as Alan Partridge (no relation) and The Trip are heartily recommended. He does well here, playing the part with a touch of reservation required of an objective journalist but over time you really relate as Philomena charms and breaks down his protective shell. It is refreshing to see him tackle a more meaty role, although he does manage to impart his usual dry, sardonic wit. What’s even more impressive is his part in deftly adapting the story to the big screen. Judi Dench turns in perhaps one of her greatest performances ever as Philomena Lee. She crafts an endearing character, full of little touches and comments that only make you empathize with her all the more. While on the surface meeker than her commanding parts in Mrs Brown, Shakespeare in Love and the recent James Bond films, this is a far more complex character with a hidden streak of steel. Her insight into people and her gratitude and wonder at the simple things in life, which generates much amusement when she visits the US, give her a disarming quality that make the emotional moments hit harder. Dench carries the emotional weight of the film with immense poise. There are few who could capture 50 years of heartbreak in a single glance. The other real star is director Stephen Frears who takes what could have easily leant too heavily on either the comedy duo side or the harder hitting emotional side, but balances it well. The film never goes into overly sentimental territory and remains genuine, heartfelt and moving.
THE PACKAGE
The Blu-Ray transfer is very nicely done. The film itself features a juxtaposition of crisp imagery for modern day but interspersed with flashbacks to the past. In these moments Philomena takes on an old 50s film reel quality, grittier and at times softer and more dream like. Both come across very well. Color balance is good, from the stark confines of a nun’s office to more impressive locations such as Lincoln’s memorial in DC. The disc itself is pretty packed with some quality extras. There is the obligatory UV digital copy but the behind the scenes really embrace the personal weight that came with the story. A film commentary is provided by writer/actor/producer Steve Coogan and screenwriter Jeff Pope which is pretty interesting and touches on making the film, behind the scenes anecdotes, the cast performances and interactions and themes of the film. We also have a Q&A with Coogan from a guild screening of the film in Los Angeles back in 2013. The magnificent Judi Dench has her own interview where she shares details on her whole career leading up to this film as well as insights into this production. It is also very welcome to see ‘The Real Philomena Lee‘, an interview with the actual Philomena Lee recorded at AFI Fest putting a real face on proceedings. The Philomena blu-ray is packed with quality that only serves to underline and provide a deeper connection to the personal themes of the story.
The Bottom Line
Initially I posted the header image as one of the marketing posters of the pair sat with a yellow cartoony background. However, I found it ill fitting. Some of the marketing for this film has done it an injustice, perhaps portraying it as a more of a comedy feature. The reality is far from it. Sure it generates laughs and tugs on the heartstrings but Philomena is no lightweight film to be easily dismissed. The adaptation of the story is handled deftly and the acting is of the highest caliber, more than deserving of all the awards and nominations it garnered upon its release. Understated and yet profound, upsetting and yet leaves you with a sense of peace and closure. A graceful delivery of a very personal tale.
PHILOMENA is available on DVD and Blu-Ray, Video-On-Demand and Pay-Per-View from April 15, 2014