What Do The Critics Say?
"Strutting up and down the streets of New York in President Lincoln's Inauguration attire, Brand delivers a hilariously irresistible and unique performance. His constant quips and larger than life persona bursts from the screen. It's predictable, but it hits all the right buttons for an enjoyable romantic comedy and Russell Brand's rhythmic, hilarious interpretation of Arthur should have audiences giggling throughout."
Kasey Simpson FILMINK
"A heartwarming comedy. That's certainly more than you can say for the typical Hollywood romcom."
COLE SMITHEY
"Brand's rise to megastardom is so inexplicable that you can only imagine he has compromising photos of God. since his amusing support act as a dissolute rock star in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", and its less satisfying sequel "Get Him To The Greek", Brand has been edging towards Hollywood leading man status. Arthur finally gives him that shot."
Siobhan Synnot SCOTSMAN
"I enjoy a frivolous film every so often, especially with a talented nutcase like Brand and a terrific actress like Mirren. this 2011 version of "Arthur" is just as raucous and silly as the first."
Jeanne Kaplan KAPLAN vs KAPLAN
"To be fair on Brand, the US critics’ backlash is rather unwarranted: unless you just can’t stand the man, so wouldn’t even entertain the thought of watching 110 minutes of him. Coming from someone who holds the original film dear to their heart, far from irritate the hell out of you in this, surprisingly, Brand injects a new infectious fun feeling into Arthur. He is the definitive Arthur of the Noughties."
Lisa Giles-Keddie REAL COM
"30 years later Russell Brand is much better in the Dudley Moore role than we might expect. Charming, witty and showing real potential in his vulnerable moments, this is the film where I’ve enjoyed watching him the most. Much as I wanted to dislike this movie, I admit to laughing out loud a couple of times, chuckling at Mirren's dry delivery of some choice one-liners and being won over by Brand by the end."
Roz Laws BIRMINGHAM POST
"A contrived, silly mess with an irritating performance by Russell Brand. Greta Gerwig and Helen Mirren shine, though. The rapport between Arther and Hobson is quite witty."
Avi Offer NYC MOVIE GURU
"It is fair to say that if you're not already a fan of Brand's style of comedy, then Arthur is unlikely to win you over, but his comic persona is actually surprisingly well suited to the role and he sparks great chemistry with each of his co-stars. Turns out to work surprisingly well, thanks to likeable comic performances and a script that's at least consistently amusing, if never laugh-out-loud funny.
Matthew Turner VIEW LONDON
"But despite all this, "Arthur" is consistently laugh-aloud funny, one of those films where you miss half the jokes because you're still laughing at the one before it. Makes you hope Brand manages to move beyond his brand. Arthur may not be much of a movie but Russell Brand is one heck of an Arthur."
Tom Long DETROIT NEWS
"The 1981 original starred diminutive Dudley Moore as the eponymous billionaire and Sir John Gielgud as his long-suffering butler. Fast forward 30 years and it’s Russell Brand cast as the loveable yet irresponsible man-child, whose limitless fortune allows him to circumvent the laws that keep the rest of society in check. This new version opts for risque humour and pop culture references."
Catherine Jones LIVERPOOL ECHO
The Inside Story
"My favorite kind of comedy is not only laugh-out-loud funny but has a lot of heart and even a note of poignancy," says director Jason Winer (one of the creative forces behind the award-winning TV series "Modern Family"), who makes his feature film directorial debut. "I love stories about characters we can root for as they try to become better people." It was these elements that made the idea of a modern "Arthur" so appealing to Winer ("Giants of Radio"), as well as the belief that "there’s a whole generation of people who don’t know this story and will be experiencing it for the first time, in a way that feels contemporary and fresh. And for fans of the original: myself included; it's also something new, not an imitation but a re-imagining, with its own humor and emotion." What everyone on the "Arthur" team was most excited about was the inspired pairing of charismatic British comedian Russell Brand with Oscar® winning actress Helen Mirren ("The Queen"), in roles based on the 1981 performances of Dagenham born Dudley Moore as Arthur and Oscar® winning actor Sir John Gielgud (Best Supporting Actor "Arthur") as his strait-laced butler. "Russell and Helen bring their own style and perspective to these two characters in a way that makes you feel you’re seeing old friends in a different light," Winer states. "If there’s one actor on the planet who can re-invent this role for a new generation, it’s Russell Brand. And with Hobson as a nanny, played by Helen Mirren, instead of a butler, the idea of the two of them together was irresistible." As sole heir to the family fortune, Arthur Bach is accustomed to getting everything he wants. But he’s about to realize he could lose it all: unless he can finally grow up and take responsibility for his own life. For Arthur, that will be no simple challenge. "This is a guy who has successfully extended his adolescence indefinitely," notes producer Kevin McCormick ("Saturday Night Fever"). "I think there’s a part of all of us that wishes we could wake up every day like that—full of enthusiasm and with limitless possibilities for fun, provided by endless amounts of cash." "He’s the man-child to end all man-children," says three time BAFTA TV Award winner Mirren ("Prime Suspect 1, 2 & 3"), whose Hobson is a point of flawless composure amidst the endless whirling party that defines Arthur’s existence as the story opens. But that party could soon be over as he must face the momentous choice between the two young women in his life. Susan, played by 2002 Golden Globe winner Jennifer Garner ("Alias"), is an ambitious Bach Worldwide manager, deemed the most suitable match for him, and offers a sure, if loveless, continuation of the only lifestyle he knows. Naomi, played by Greta Gerwig, is an unlicensed tour guide with a sparkling sense of humor, whom he meets by chance on a Manhattan street. She could be the love of his life, but choosing her carries the price of disinheritance and a world for which he is completely unprepared. British Comedy Award winner Russell Brand, who also serves as one of the film’s executive producers, calls the story and its core dilemma, "funny, sweet and romantic, a beautiful depiction of a world in which love is important and people overcome obstacles to find truth." "Arthur and Naomi bring out the sweetness in one another and, though she wishes he would grow up in some ways, she doesn’t want him to lose that quality," says Gerwig. Screenwriter Peter Baynham, an Oscar® nominee for his work on "Borat", says, "What I like about "Arthur" is its many facets. It goes beyond the boy meets girl romantic comedy structure with an equally engaging connection between Arthur and Hobson."
Throughout the film, the relationship between Arthur and Hobson is fundamental. Ostensibly an employee, yet more of a treasured friend, she is Arthur’s companion, assistant and critic and the only person who cares for him unconditionally. In a twist on the original, Hobson is a woman, and Arthur’s nanny, not butler. Hired when he was a baby, she guided him through childhood and then presumably stayed on because, by all accounts, he hasn’t quite reached the age of maturity. "For a number of reasons, he’s been incapable of fully growing up. Though he’s enormously kind and generous of heart, he’s rudderless," Mirren ("Last Orders") offered. Without altering their essential dynamic, putting Hobson into skirts skews the relationship slightly. "Helen reminded me that a nanny wipes a baby’s bottom and so the nature of their bond is uniquely close," Winer recalls. "Though they tease each other mercilessly, they love each other like a mother and son. Plus, the very fact of a grown man having a nanny is funny by definition, and led to some particularly comedic sequences." Similarly, Brand’s Arthur is entirely his own, though faithful to the character’s most endearing and exasperating foibles. Chris Bender, who executive produced the hit "The Hangover" ($467,483,912 U.S. worldwide) feels this set the tone for the entire production. "For fans of the first film, I believe they’ll see there was a lot of consideration that went into this. We felt it was a story worth telling again, and made funny in a way that applied more to our times, without losing touch with the themes and relationships that made it so special in the first place." Of his predecessor’s performance, Brand says: "Dudley Moore was a joyful example of what can be accomplished through comedy and I have the greatest respect for him. His Arthur continues to exist and there’s no way we could take anything from it." Producer Larry Brezner, who was the presenting producer of the 1981 release, and went on to produce films like "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987) & "The Vanishing" (1993), agrees. "The understanding, going into it, was that this would be different. Still, the film pays homage in certain details that will be fun for audiences to pick up on, and I’m glad we were able to do that. People still come up to me and say it’s one of their favorite movies, which I’m delighted to hear, because it’s a great story." "Essentially it’s a feel-good romantic comedy about an eccentric, incredibly lovable and innocent character, a big kid at heart, who’s finding his way in the world. There’s a lot of broad, physical comedy but also some touching moments between Arthur and the special women in his life," says Winer. Brand believes, ultimately "Arthur" is about "how love inspires us to be our best selves." Arthur’s days typically begin with a champagne breakfast, followed by a series of whimsical pursuits and extravagant purchases that take him all over Manhattan, and end with bringing back any number of newfound friends to crash with him in his lavish penthouse atop the Pierre Hotel. He knows Hobson will sort things out in the morning. But one thing the two never do is, hang out together. When asked Hobson replies: "I’ve never hung out in my life and I’m not going to start now." But they do have a ritual they share every morning: reading the newspapers. Hobson is the only real family he’s ever known. "She’s his ballast, his rock," says McCormick. "Strict and formal, she nevertheless adores him and always tells him he can achieve anything he wants. Although, lately, she has begun to wonder if he will ever meet that potential." Fortunately, there’s more to Arthur than is immediately apparent and Brand certainly brings it out on the big-screen.
"People who aren’t aware of Russell’s range as a dramatic actor may be surprised at the emotional performance he delivers. Not to undersell the degree to which he’s hilarious in this movie, because he is, but the story has some dramatic elements as well and he carries those off brilliantly," Winer revealed. And his take on Mirren's Hobson? "Hobson is not a simple enabler. She’s a strong character. She doesn’t so much stand up to him, because technically he is her employer, but she’s perfectly capable and unafraid of telling him he’s behaving like an idiot and she knows him well enough to send him up. It’s a rich, intense and complicated relationship; there is undeniably a great love there and a great depth of feeling." Ever the cheeky scallywag Brand let slip a little secret. "Working with Helen is inspiring, interesting, a real honor. She’s proper but also funny, quirky and totally charming. All in all, I had a great time on this film. I got to kiss Jennifer Garner, I got to kiss Greta Gerwig and I got to kiss Helen Mirren. Granted, that last one wasn’t in the script." "Russell is so incredibly inventive and energetic, just a constant flow of imagination. It’s extraordinary," two time Cannes Film Festival Best actress winner Mirren (1984 & '95) notes. Unfortunately for Arthur, being filthy rich has its drawbacks. While Susan is unashamedly 'power hungry', the other woman in his life, Naomi, isn't impressed by it. "The wonderful thing about Naomi is that she doesn’t want to be anywhere other than where she is. When she discovers Arthur is a billionaire, she thinks that’s fine for him, but she’s not covetous and doesn’t see it as an opportunity to improve her life. She thinks her life is pretty good already. Her affection can’t be bought," says Gerwig, who played Patrice alongside Natalie Portman in the rom/com "No Strings Attached." Jennifer Garner (wickedly good as Anna McDoogles in the comedy "The Invention Of Lying"), stars as the laser-focused social climber with her sights on the heir to the Bach fortune. "Susan doesn’t take Naomi seriously, she’s just an annoyance. Susan isn’t after the money, because she has money of her own, but the position and power Arthur’s name can provide. Her family came from poor beginnings and she made something of herself the hard way, but that ultimate status eludes her and she’s savvy enough to know this is the only way to get it." Luckily for Susan, her boss is Arthur’s mother, a woman who understands and appreciates her drive. Played by 1989 Venice Film Festival Volpi Cup winner Geraldine James ("Screen One"), Bach Worldwide CEO Vivienne H Bach is not so much determined to make Arthur miserable but to ensure the success of the company, her first priority. For her, this marriage solves two problems: keeping BW in the family and keeping her wayward son under control. There is another important person in Arthur's life: his driver, Bitterman. Played by the 'always in demand' 2001 Screen Actors Guild Award winner Luis Guzmán ("Traffic"). "Arthur and Bitterman are like water and oil. They don’t really blend well but Bitterman is still Arthur’s sidekick. He gets him into things and out of things, and he’s always up for an adventure. He may not understand what Arthur is talking about, but he’s willing to go along and see what happens." Sadly, not everyone likes Arthur. 1992 Golden Globe winner Nick Nolte ("The Prince Of Tides") plays Arthur's hard-nosed, menacing and potential father in-law. "Burt has no use for Arthur, but Susan convinces him this is what she wants, so he’s going to take care of it." "It’s Burt’s job to scare the hell out of Arthur, and he’s not about to disappoint his little girl," 2010 DGA award wiiner Winer notes.
What's It All About?
 Loveable billionaire Arthur Bach, is an irresponsible charmer who has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of his lifelong nanny and best friend Hobson, to keep him out of trouble. Kind-hearted, fun-loving, and utterly without purpose, Arthur spends every day in the heedless pursuit of amusement. Until the day his unpredictable public image threatens the staid reputation of the family foundation, Bach Worldwide. He's given an ultimatum: marry the beautiful but decidedly unlovable Susan (an ambitious corporate exec belies she can keep him in line), or say goodbye to his billion-dollar inheritance and the only way of life he knows. It's a deal Arthur would be inclined to take: if he hadn't just fallen for Naomi, a New York City tour guide who shares his idealism and spontaneity. Now all Arthur needs to do is stand up for what he wants. But at what cost?
The Verdict
"Believe it or not, it is thirty years since Dudley Moore (Arthur) Liza Minnelli (Linda Marolla), John Gielgud (Hobson), Geraldine Fitzgerald (Martha Bach), Jill Eikenberry (Susan), Stephen Elliott (Burt) and Ted Ross (Bitterman) starred together in the original "Arthur". Written and directed by Steve Gordon, the film garnered four Oscar nominations at the 1982 Academy Awards presentation. "Arthur" took home two of the highly covetted awards on the big night. Best Supporting actor went to the late Sir John Gielgud (14/4/1904 - 21/5/2000) and Best Original Song went to "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)". The other two nominations? Dudley Moore missed out on Best Actor (it went to then 76 year old Henry Fonda for "On Golden Pond") and Best Screenplay (it went to Colin Welland for "Chariots of Fire"). Like many, I hold fond memories of the original version. But alas, time waits for no man and here we are, thirty years on with a new "Arthur", one which is less boozey and has Russell Brand in the role of Arthur Bach. Those who cling dearly to the old saying, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' (don't touch it), would be wise to steer clear of this re-telling: as would anyone who doesn't connect with that irrepressable, British scallywag, Russell Brand. I had the opportunity to sit in with two paying audiences at my local multiplex. On both occassions the audience reaction clearly indicated that they were enjoying the onscreen antics. Brand is nothing like Moore, but he does grow on you and to 'give credit where credit is due', his Arthur is a loveable character. Even more surprising is the chemistry between Brand and Oscar winning actress and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire: Helen Mirren. Sure to win audiences over are Greta Gerwig as Naomi and Luis Guzmán as Bitterman. But the real scene-stealer in "Arthur" is the talented, Jennifer Garner. Her Susan certainly makes for an interesting watch. Shot in New York, filming attracted crowds of onlookers. "People wanted photos of our stars and they graciously posed with fans," director Winer revealed. Must admit: prior to seeing "Arthur", I could take or leave Brand; but by films end he'd won me over. Maybe he'll have that affect on others too. Worth having a look at! 3 1/2 STARS."
Who Is Playing Who?
Russell Brand
Helen Mirren
Greta Gerwig
Jennifer Garner
Geraldine James
Luis Guzmán
Nick Nolte
Christina Calph
Murphy Guyer
José Ramón Rosario
John Hodgman
Scott Adsit
Evander Holyfield
Peter Van Wagner
Robert Clohessy
Ed Herbstman
Jared Parker
Tom Toner
Richard Bekins
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Arthur Bach
Hobson
Naomi
Susan
Vivienne
Bitterman
Burt
Tiffany
Officer Kaplan
Employment Clerk
Candy Store Manager
Gummy Bear Man
Boxing Trainer
Naomi's Dad
Veteran Cop
Rookie Cop
Wedding Kid
Wedding Priest
Chancellor
The Production Team
Directed by Jason Winer
Screenplay by Peter Baynham
From a story by Steve Gordon
Produced by Chris Bender/Russell Brand/Larry Brezner
Produced by Kevin McCormick/J.C. Spink/Michael Tadross
Original Music by Theodore Shapiro
Cinematography by Uta Briesewitz
Film Editing by Brent White
Casting by Kathleen Chopin
Production Design by Sarah Knowles
Art Direction by Doug Huszti
Set Decoration by Chryss Hionis
Costume Design by Juliet Polcsa
Run Time 110 minutes
Rated PG [AUST]
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