Youth

Rating: 8/10 (7 February 2016)

I saw the trailer for this film, I was instantly attracted because of members of the cast, and it did look interesting, and with good critical reviews and award nominations I was even more attracted, directed by Paolo Sorrentino (The Consequences of Love, This Must Be the Place, The Great Beauty). Basically Fred Ballinger (Sir Michael Caine) is a retired classical music composer, Mick Boyle (Harvey Keitel) is a filmmaker working on his next project, both men are Septuagenarians and best friends staying at a luxury resort in the Swiss Alps. Fred is approached by an Emissary for Queen Elizabeth II (The Inbetweeners' Alex Macqueen) who want him to perform his popular piece "Simple Songs" for the birthday concert of Prince Philip, Fred downs this offer down, saying he is not interested in performing anymore, although when alone he composes pieces in his head. Mick is working with a group of scriptwriters to develop the screenplay for his next film, which he calls his "testament", also with them is actor Jimmy Tree (Paul Dano) who is researching for an upcoming role and frustrated that he is only recognised for playing a robot. Other quirky individuals inhabiting the hotel include a young masseuse (Luna Zimic Mijovic), the overweight Diego Maradona (Roly Serrano) and Miss Universe (Madalina Diana Ghenea). Fred and Mick reflect on their lives, including women they both previously had feelings for and their friendship over the years, they admit that their memories are fading and they see little in their futures. Fred's daughter Lena (Rachel Weisz) is his personal assistant and married to Mick's son, but the husband leaves her for pop star Paloma Faith, who he says is much better in bed, Lena vents her anger on her father, who was always distant during her childhood and growing up. The Emissary returns with the same offer for Fred, he still refuses to play his popular piece, even for royalty, the Emissary gets frustrated with the lack of explanation, Lena cries when Fred finally explains that the soprano part of his "Simple Songs" belongs to his wife, but she can no longer sing, the Emissary understands. Mick completes his screenplay with the writers and is satisfied, his leading actress Brenda Morel (Golden Globe nominated Jane Fonda), who the role is written for and has worked with Mick on eleven of his previous films, makes a surprise visit to the resort, Brenda tells him she has taken a television role instead, she says television is the future and cinema is the past, she also tells Mick he has not made a good film in years. Mick is disheartened and hallucinates all of his leading ladies, including Brenda, surrounding him, he has a final talk with Fred and jumps off the balcony right in front of him, Fred is devastated. Following the funeral for his friend, Fred decides for the first time in years to visit his wife, she is senile and in a care home in Venice, in the end Fred returns to the United Kingdom for the concert before the Queen and the Prince to conduct "Simple Songs", with new soprano Sumi Jo. Also starring Ed Stoppard as Julian, Nate Dern as Funny Screenwriter, Alex Beckett as Bearded Screenwriter, Mark Gessner as Shy Screenwriter and Tom Lipinski as Screenwriter in Love. Caine gives a great performance as the veteran conductor refusing to perform for royalty for emotional personal reasons, Keitel is also likable as the aged movie producer and director, they are a great double act, Fonda is fantastic in her short appearance, Weisz is good, and there is a scene-stealing nude scene from the gorgeous Ghenea. This is a great example of an art house film, director Sorrentino is known for doing these sorts of films, it is an unusual blend of simplistic scenes, combined with a witty and funny script, surreal and psychedelic material, and wonderful music by David Lang, all add up to a satisfying alternative comedy drama. It was nominated the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Song for the beautiful "Simple Song #3". Very good!