WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER?
Directed by Anand Tucker
Produced by Elizabeth Karlsen & Stephen Wooley
Written by David Nicholls, based on the memoir by Blake Morrison
Released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
UK. 92 min. Rated PG-13
With Jim Broadbent, Colin Firth, Juliet Stevenson & Matthew Beard
Special features: Commentary by Anand Tucker. Deleted scenes (with commentary). Trailers. French & Spanish subtitles

This beautifully photographed but emotionally restrained drama depicts the relationship between Blake Morrison (Colin Firth) and his father, Arthur (Jim Broadbent), who is slowly dying from cancer. This seemingly cathartic tale addresses secrets and memories between this introspective novelist and his boisterous father, raising the question of whether who you are as an adult is because of your parents or a reaction against them.

Although successful, Blake still lives in the shadow of his physician father, as he did as a quiet, obedient boy. Let’s just say that Arthur’s emotional intelligence is nowhere as high as his perceptive son. Unfortunately, Broadbent and Firth are hamstrung with a majority of their scenes taking place on Arthur’s deathbed with Arthur in a delusional state. There’s very little chance for them to fully flesh out their relationship, though the few scenes they have together are extremely moving.

The crux of the father-son dissention is left to the flashbacks of a teenage Blake (Matthew Beard) reacting against his father’s larger-than-life presence. When Blake becomes enamored with the family’s housekeeper, he feels a competitive threat from his father. With no evidence that Arthur covets the young woman, Blake is instantly hostile to his father —a common theme throughout his life.

At points, it feels like two different stories are being told. One is a coming-of-age tale, and the other centered on a son coming to grips with his father passing away. Both stories have merit, but when they’re combined they detract from each other, leaving two incomplete stories. While this movie strikes a chord with any parent or child, it hits a bit of a false note. It requires viewers to rely more on their own personal experiences than on the characters within the film.  

DVD Extras: The audio commentary by director Anand Tucker is extremely informative. It’s very easy to find yourself listening to Tucker’s self-analysis and suddenly realize that 45 minutes have passed. If you enjoy learning about the process of filmmaking and the ideas behind a director’s decisions, then the commentary is right up your alley. The rest of the extras are more standard fare.  Michael Field
November 7, 2008