The Lady in the Van

Dame Maggie Smith stars in Alan Bennett's adaptation of his West End play, which is based on his own bestselling memoir. After Bennett reluctantly befriended Mary Shepherd in 1974, the eccentric British bag lady “temporarily” parked her dilapidated van in his driveway and lived there for the next 15 years, explaining that the Virgin Mary advised it. Here, celebrated London playwright/screenwriter/actor/author Bennett is played by Alex Jennings in a dual role: the Alan Bennett who writes and the Alan Bennett who observes and probes for truth. He engages in a long-running debate with himself about how to handle the increasingly decrepit, demanding Shepherd (Smith), who smells of urine, feces, raw onions, and talcum powder. “One seldom was able to do her a good turn,” he observes, “without some thoughts of strangulation.” Bennett is also dealing with his mother, who is suffering from dementia. Later, Bennett will learn Shepherd's secret—she is technically guilty of a felony. A fervent Catholic, guilt-riddled Shepherd often confesses this sin to a priest who repeatedly absolves her, explaining: “Absolution is not like the bus pass. It doesn't run out.” Director Nicholas Hytner's touching, “mostly true” character study also features cameos by veteran British thespians Roger Allam, Jim Broadbent, and Frances de la Tour, as well as Late Late Show host James Corden. Whimsical and poignant, this is a fine showcase for Smith as the filthy, self-centered vagrant. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Nicholas Hytner, a “making-of” featurette (14 min.), a visual effects segment (8 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are deleted scenes (2 min.) and a featurette on star Smith (7 min.). Bottom line: a solid extras package for an engaging film.] (S. Granger)