REVIEW - PHILOMENA

Stephen Frears works at such a pace that it's often hard to tell whether or not the odds have fallen in his favour with each new project. But he always brings a vitality to his films, and a respect for both dramatic and comedic elements, and most crucially, an interest in humanity. And, of course, Philomena is a 'human interest story', as we're informed. That spark of vitality is borne in Frears' wonderful ability not only to fixate upon the universal qualities of the human character but also upon the intricacies of human relationships. These are people not just defined by what they think, how they act, how they feel, but also the thoughts, actions and feelings of those around them, or to whom they have some significant connection. And this is not creation, this is reflection, as these relationships are real this time, in that Philomena Lee's story itself is real. What originates as apparent clumsiness becomes directness - Frears dives straight in, no thought to building up pace or establishing the storylines with any portentousness or sentimentality. It's this very directness, combined with a sense of communion with the characters ably cultivated by a sharp yet sweet script, that puts us right alongside Philomena on her journey across the Atlantic and back, in a search that is somehow wholly selfish and wholly selfless. And seeing it as she does, we too are blind to the terrible truth, barely acknowledging the possibility of it, in a curious state of philanthropy... well, curious for me. That directness, too, ensures that you're never ready for the subtle but strong emotional sucker punches coming your way. I could forever sing the praises of Judi Dench, playing a 'little old Irish lady' whom, we know, Dench is not, but I've known rather a lot of such little old Irish ladies, and they're every one of them another Philomena. Dench brings her to life, a vital objective of a film that is based on true events. Even for this great actor, this performance is a revelation. Steve Coogan provides marvellous support in a chunkier role, actually, and his quiet but acerbic work here is a career highlight. The screenplay is a delight, particularly so in its comedy, which is most winning in Dame Judi's hands.