Director – Paul McGuigan
Starring – Annette Benning; Jamie Bell; Julie Walters; Kenneth Cranham; Stephen Graham; Frances Barber.
I saw this film during the London Film Festival, which at the end of the day I preferred the performances over the film itself.
Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool follows the playful but passionate relationship between Peter Turner (Bell) and the eccentric Oscar-winning actress Gloria Grahame (Benning). What a starts a vibrant affair between a legendary femme fatale and her young lover quickly grows deeper relationship, with Turner being the person Gloria turns to for comfort. Their passion and lust for life is tested to the limits by events beyond their control.
Even though I liked the love story it felt like they were trying too hard and forcing me to fall in love with their love and sometimes it was reminding us how taboo their relationship was and that ironically got old.
Furthermore, compared to Stronger and Professor Marston, it just didn't feel special or different enough.
It's not a bad film or story. I actually liked the way it handles flashbacks and returning to present day, it never felt it was taking you out of the film and I also bought them falling in love with each other and that she became apart of his family.
However, I would've liked to have seen Gloria meeting his parent for the first because they talk about it and the experience, it just would've been good to see it as you see him meet Gloria's family.
There's one scene near the end, which was a nice symbol of their love and showed off the talents of Bell and Benning.
This is where the strength of the film comes from in the performances. This is probably Bell's best showing and Benning shows why she's a legend. Also, Julie Walters can do no wrong and is basically the nations mum and the long-running joke about flying to Australia always got a laugh.
Additionally, Stephen Graham's hair is the best I've seen in a movie at the festival.
It's interesting to point out this film is produced by Barbara Broccoli, so don't be surprised if you hear Bell being a strong contender for James Bond.
Verdict
Overall Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool is an ok film with some strong performances from Benning and Bell.
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| IMAGE VIA LIONSGATE |
Even though I liked the love story it felt like they were trying too hard and forcing me to fall in love with their love and sometimes it was reminding us how taboo their relationship was and that ironically got old.
Furthermore, compared to Stronger and Professor Marston, it just didn't feel special or different enough.
 |
| IMAGE VIA LIONSGATE |
It's not a bad film or story. I actually liked the way it handles flashbacks and returning to present day, it never felt it was taking you out of the film and I also bought them falling in love with each other and that she became apart of his family.
However, I would've liked to have seen Gloria meeting his parent for the first because they talk about it and the experience, it just would've been good to see it as you see him meet Gloria's family.
There's one scene near the end, which was a nice symbol of their love and showed off the talents of Bell and Benning.
This is where the strength of the film comes from in the performances. This is probably Bell's best showing and Benning shows why she's a legend. Also, Julie Walters can do no wrong and is basically the nations mum and the long-running joke about flying to Australia always got a laugh.
 |
| IMAGE VIA LIONSGATE |
Additionally, Stephen Graham's hair is the best I've seen in a movie at the festival.
It's interesting to point out this film is produced by Barbara Broccoli, so don't be surprised if you hear Bell being a strong contender for James Bond.
Verdict
Overall Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool is an ok film with some strong performances from Benning and Bell.
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