Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel Artfully Tackle Their Roles in THE CHRISTOPHERS
Hey, friends! Barbarella here. THE CHRISTOPHERS, starring Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, James Corden, and Jessica Gunning, hit theaters this weekend, and it’s worth checking out. In order to acquire the money they feel they deserve for a bad childhood, the children of famed artist Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) hire a young and struggling artist to complete (forge) his much-anticipated “Christopher” series, bringing the young Lori (Michaela Coel) into the once greatly esteemed artist’s world.
Ed Solomon’s story proves both compelling and hilarious, painting a portrait of life as an artist from two different perspectives, one at the beginning of a career and one at the end of one. With the focus on character, having the right cast proves essential, and the casting of this is flawless. James Corden and Jessica Gunning as the emotionally damaged children capture the underlying injury, resentment, and greed perfectly.
Yet the leads carry the film. In one of his best performances of his career, Ian McKellen proves delightful as Julian, who often uses words like razors, while balancing both sternness and glimpses of vulnerability. Julian Sklar proves to be a man who once loved art but has perhaps become jaded from his lengthy career of dealing with the scrutiny that comes with success and fame. I love everything about Ian McKellen’s portrayal of him. His dialogue garners many laughs throughout the movie, but his talent shines more in the moments where he’s silent. When you have a talent that incredible painting a character so detailed and nuanced,