My 5th trip to the cinema this week was to see the newly released 'The Duke'. Based on a true story of a man called Kempton Bunton who 'borrows' the Portrait of the Duke of Wellington by Francisco Goya from The National Gallery in order to highlight that the elderly should receive more benefits and also not have to pay the TV licence fee.
This was a delight from beginning to end. Jim Broadbent is great as the determined Kempton who exasperates his wife with his constant play writing and schemes. The reactions of Helen Mirren to his exploits are just timed perfectly. She is the perfect contrast as the long-suffering wife
It is so much funnier than I expected with a lot of the laughs just taking you by surprise. There was one in particular which took the audience a beat to get, digest and then burst out with laughter. Very clever.
This comedy gave the drama and moving touches even more impact, especially the moments when there is such tension between them over the loss of their daughter, the reason for some of his writing. In an interview with the Radio Times Kempton's grandson reveals that the picture used of their daughter, Marian was a real picture of her.
This is the Radio Times interview with the grandson Chris Bunton, who originally pitched the idea and came up with the initial screenplay. A really good article and well worth a read: https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/the-duke-true-story-exclusive/
In fact, from reading a few interviews, it seems that whilst there were changes for artistic licence, the film is very close to the true story.
Fionn Whitehead, Anna Maxwell Martin and Matthew Goode are also great in their supporting roles.
This was such a joy, funny and very moving which left me feeling elated but with more than a few tears in my eyes at the end. Lovely film, lovely story. I will look forward to a second viewing. Highly recommended.
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