The Dresser: Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay in Two Amazing Performances

Both Tom Courtenay and Albert Finney received Academy Award nominations for Best Actor when this film came out in 1983. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Peter Yates) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Harwood). This should tell you something about the show to begin with. I love it and thought that Finney should have received the award. I, personally, prefered the movie to the stage version.

Albert Finney plays the aging lead actor and manager of a troupe of Shakespearian actors during World War II in England. The young men who might be actors are all engaged in the war effort, so the troupe is mostly old and middle aged men and a few women. Finney (as Sir) has the fame and drawing power to bring in the crowds even in the midst of the German blitz. Finney struggles with sporadic bouts of dementia. Once on stage, however, he finds himself again. He is brutal with the people around him, and doesn't realize when he hurts others.

Tom Courtenay plays Sir's dresser. He has been with the old man for years. He tries to hide Sir's breakdowns and dementia from others while holding everything together. He is driven to drink by all the pressures he faces. He is dedicated and even in love with Sir.

As we watch the backstage preparations and politics before a performance of King Lear, we find backstabbing actors, manipulative actresses, a thoroughly competent stage manager who suspects the problems and is ready to cancel the show if she has to. When the curtain finally does go up, the audience faces an air raid in the middle of a performance.

This is a wonderful film for adults. There is nothing here sexual or violent, but this movie requires maturity to appreciate and so is not appropriate for young children. For those in love with the theater and especially with Shakespeare, this film offers many special treats and insights. This film, however, is wonderful for everyone.

I highly recommend it.