Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes, if you like films about writers and novelists.
Score: 3.6/5
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 104 minutes (~1.75 hours)
“Genius” is an autobiographical drama about the relationship between writer Thomas Wolfe and editor Maxwell Perkins. It stars Colin Firth (Maxwell Perkins), Jude Law (Thomas Wolfe), Nicole Kidman (Aline Bernstein), Laura Linney (Louise Saunders), Guy Pearce (F. Scott Fitzgerald), Dominic West (Ernest Hemingway), and Vanessa Kirby (Zelda Fitzgerald). It is rated PG.
Stories about writers are difficult to turn into movies, because the very nature of writing is boring. Yet “Genius” has chosen an excellent subject to depict on the big screen, because Thomas Wolfe is such a colourful character that even though he writes, he projects his writing into everything he says and does. It’s a beautiful movie for all literary fans.
Highlights
Nicole Kidman’s performance as an intensely jealous Aline Bernstein
Aline is the classic example of a woman who refuses to let her male significant other have his own male friends, and is also psychotic and paranoid to boot. While her character may be overdramatic in expressing her feelings (with good reason to, since Aline is in theatre), she also resonates with anyone who’s ever had or has a possessive significant other. Her craziness is both wondrous and horrific to behold.
A constantly bemused Maxwell Perkins
In his typical restrained style, Colin Firth imbues Maxwell Perkins with a constant faint smirk at all the situations he encounters, whether it’s the flamboyant Thomas Wolfe (Jude Law) or his mad girlfriend Aline. He remains stoic and provides a stable counterpoint to the insanity of his writer, rarely giving himself over to fits of emotion. Still, there’s that glint in his eyes and twitch in his mouth that always betrays his true regard for the trouble he always gets himself into.
Lyrical dialogue of Thomas Wolfe
Because Thomas Wolfe is a writer, and a loudly expressive one that that, it makes sense that he would speak like a long-winded character from a novel. But his dialogue is filled with beautiful phrases and powerful emotion, and Jude Law pulls off his giant chunks of dialogue with aplomb. Thomas Wolfe is truly a character pulled from the novel.
An excellent performance from Laura Linney
In any other movie, Laura Linney’s performance as Louise Sanders would have made her the star of the show. It’s just that her fellow cast members deliver such entertaining portrayals of these historic characters that they overshadow her part as the beleaguered wife. Though Louise is the quiet pillar of support that Maxwell leans on, you can also see her internal struggle to come to terms with her husband’s work. Her role in the film completes this tale of two couples, one dependable and one insane.
Letdowns
Pacing is slow
Though “Genius” is short, it still plods along at some points. It lacks exciting visuals which we’re accustomed to these days. Fortunately, the splendid cast makes up for it by bringing their A-game to the film. Nevertheless, you might find yourself wandering at some portions of the film.
“Genius” has brilliant performances and a talented cast.
“Genius” opens in cinemas:
– 25 August, 2016 (Singapore)
– 18 October, 2016 (Malaysia)
– 20 July, 2016 (Philippines)
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