Embarking on a new relationship can evoke many emotions and memories, from love lost to bonds forged. But for Oliver (Ewan McGregor), his courtship with Anna (Mélanie Laurent) makes him reminisce about his relationship with his recently deceased father Hal (Christopher Plummer). Before his death, Oliver’s father, who was married to his mother for 44 years before her death, comes out of the closet at the age of 75 years old.
Ewan McGregor and Mélanie Laurent
Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor
As Oliver’s relationship with the free-spirited Anna takes twists and turns, he has flashbacks to times spent with his father. Oliver’s relationship with his father was not always strong, but became closer toward the end of Hal’s life, which inevitably serves as a catalyst for Oliver in his relationship with Anna. In every sense of the word, Beginners is a love story; not just between man and woman, but father and son too.
Ewan McGregor and director Mike Mills on set.
A relationship movie to the core, every aspect is explored including love and betrayal. However, the primary focus sometimes gets lost with so many plots unfolding simultaneously; a son tries to come to grip with his father’s death, a lover wants to connect with his deceased partner’s son, and a man falls for a flighty, yet intriguing woman. But to be honest, it’s this montage of stories that makes Beginners so appealing and heart-felt; not surprisingly so considering it is based on the life of the film’s director Mike Mills. It’s genuine, something often missing in Hollywood flicks. This is what makes this film a must-see! Listen to interview with Ewan McGregor and Mike Mills.
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
