Christopher Plummer revisits his 1997 Tony Award-winning role in this revised Canadian production of William Luce's play, an almost one-man piece in which Plummer stars as alcoholic, dissipated actor John Barrymore near the end of his life in 1942, rehearsing in a theatre before a group of potential investors in hopes of securing financing for a comeback. The only other cast member is John Plumpis as the prompter who remains in the shadows throughout, bearing the brunt of Barrymore's drunken rages while encouraging him to move beyond rambling reminiscences and prepare his lines. Somewhat rewritten for the screen, director Erik Canuel's Barrymore adds a few cinematic touches, but essentially remains the same: namely, a collection of jocular anecdotes and witty recollections concerning various members of Barrymore's illustrious family that doesn't delve very deeply into the subject's psyche. What it does provide, however, is a sterling opportunity for Plummer to shine, and he seizes it with a vengeance, delivering his lines with impish humor (and calculated moments of pathos), while occasionally breaking out into song and even offering a few impersonations. It's a personal tour de force even when the material is pedestrian, and for Plummer's performance alone, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)
Barrymore
Image, 84 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray: $39.98 Volume 28, Issue 4
Barrymore
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