McKellen Shines as Ruthless Critic in 1930s London Drama

In the twilight of his illustrious career, Ian McKellen delivers a tour de force performance in "The Critic," a film that showcases the actor's undiminished talent. Set against the backdrop of 1930s London, this British drama directed by Anand Tucker offers a compelling exploration of the power wielded by theater critics.

The story revolves around Jimmy Erskine, portrayed by McKellen, the chief theater critic for the fictional Chronicle newspaper. Erskine's scathing reviews can make or break careers, a power he wields with gleeful abandon. His latest target is Nina Land, played by Gemma Arterton, an actress struggling to maintain her relevance as she approaches her thirties.

The film's plot thickens when the Chronicle's ownership changes hands. The new proprietor, Viscount David Brooke (Mark Strong), seeks to modernize the paper, putting Erskine's position in jeopardy. This development, coupled with Erskine's arrest for homosexual activities (illegal in Britain until 1967), sets the stage for a morally ambiguous struggle for survival.

Patrick Marber's screenplay, reminiscent of his award-winning 1997 play "Closer," crafts a narrative that grows increasingly dark and complex. The film delves into themes of loneliness, the abuse of power, and the sometimes parasitic relationship between critics and artists.

"You have to trust that we are present to you, sensitive to your deepest sufferings, your gentlest feelings, your most intimate thoughts. But you must trust that we can perceive all this without your help."

McKellen, born in 1939 and now 85 years old, brings a lifetime of experience to his portrayal of Erskine. His performance is a masterclass in theatrical excess, breathing life into the cliché of the arrogant critic with relish and nuance.

The supporting cast shines as well. Arterton, who made her film debut in 2007's "St Trinian's," imbues Nina with a bittersweet awareness of her fading star. Strong, a veteran of over 60 films since 1993, delivers a surprisingly poignant performance as the lonely aristocrat thrust into a world he doesn't fully understand.

Tucker's direction and the film's production design create a rich, amber-hued vision of pre-war London. The attention to detail in costumes, sets, and cinematography transports viewers to a bygone era of theatrical grandeur.

As the story progresses, the film's tone darkens considerably, leading to a conclusion that may surprise even those who crafted it. "The Critic" serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked power and the damage that words can inflict.

While not groundbreaking cinema, "The Critic" offers an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. It serves as a fitting showcase for McKellen's enduring talent and a reminder of the complex relationship between art, criticism, and morality.

"The Critic" is rated R and runs for 95 minutes. It is currently showing at the historic Avalon Theatre in Washington D.C., a fitting venue for a film that celebrates the enduring power of theater and cinema.