Director:Â Brady Corbet
Cast: Liam Cunningham,  Robert Pattinson,  Stacy Martin, Bérénice Bejo,  Sophie Curtis,  Rebecca Dayan
Rating: 12A
Running Time: 115 mins
Release Date:Â 19/08/2016
Given recent uncertainties in the political and world climate, notably with the ‘Brexit’ vote that continues to divide the British people, art is bound to play a part in how the future is shaped.
In THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, Merchant Ivory created a memorable drama in which a butler, Stevens (Anthony Hopkins) who didn’t really understand the political implications and actions of those he served and his relationship with a female servant, Kenton (Emma Thompson).
In the best tradition of a Merchant Ivory release, Brady Corbet‘s directorial effort, THE CHILDHOOD OF A LEADER, is a lofty, ambitious offering that is designed to encompass one of the most significant moments in 20th Century political history. In his own words, he describes it as ‘taking a great deal of poetic license’ to ‘explore meaningful moments in between the Cliff Notes of history’. He also stresses that ‘it is not intended as a history lesson, rather a dreamy collection of small but significant moments in this young man’s life’
The young man in question, and the child of the title, is a boy played by newcomer Tom Sweet. whose father is working for Woodrow Wilson’s US Government on the creation of the Treaty of Versailles. At the outset, he is chucking rocks at a priest in the church yard where a Nativity is being performed. His mother (Berenice Bejo) drags him to apologise to the priest in question and this is the start-off point from which the young boy finds it increasingly necessary to rebel and react against his mother and his father (Liam Cunningham) who is supervising the important details of a significant moment in history….
Despite it’s best intentions, there is a rather confusing through-line where plot lines and characters seem to have more significance that they should be and relationships are not as fleshed out as they need to be. Part of the key problem is the child (who at times reminds one of the rather obnoxious child played by Thomas Horn in EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE). Although he provides some good moments in his relationship with the mother, it offsets the essence of what the heart of the story is trying to convey to the audience.
This is where Merchant Ivory would have scored significantly higher on the critical basin, as they would have focused like they did in the likes of HOWARD’S END and the aforementioned REMAINS OF THE DAY on the adult story, rather than the focus on the child. That said, you could expect somebody like Spielberg to emphasise this kind of journey.
Performance wise, Berenice Bejo is excellent as the mother and Liam Cunningham provides solid lead as the father.
Ultimately, in this type of film, I would like to come out with more enlightenment about how things evolved with a moment in history like this. Corbet’s intention of making what I interpret as a more fragmented historical drama falls shorter than expected in my honest opinion. I have to admit that I did lose my way a bit half way through (not a good sign). However, others might find some clarity in the director’s intention.
Verdict
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I actually laughed at this review. the film in question is a fascinating insight into the moments experienced by the boy who will become the man. I.e the CHILDHOOD of a LEADER. It’s not a Merchant Ivory romanticised version of history-it’s an interpretation of the making of a dictator. I hate to have to point this out, but if Corbet had focuses on the adults, we wouldn’t have seen the leader’s childhood!!!!! Where do I sign up for your job?
I saw the film last night. I agree with the first commentator – the film is about the child and how he learns to manipulate his parents and control the household, and also his growing anger about his treatment. The last scenes (no spoilers) also give some insight into other tensions and betrayals that were happening with the adults in the house. This is not a ‘likeable’ film, as there are no ‘likeable’ characters, but I would give it four to five stars for the compelling story, the sets and costumes, and the performances of the four main characters. It is worth seeking out.
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