Hey, friends! Barbarella here. THE CHRISTOPHERS, starring Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, James Corden, and Jessica Gunning, hit theaters this weekend, and it’s worth checking out. In order to acquire the money they feel they deserve for a bad childhood, the children of famed artist Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) hire a young and struggling artist to complete (forge) his much-anticipated “Christopher” series, bringing the young Lori (Michaela Coel) into the once greatly esteemed artist’s world.
Ed Solomon’s story proves both compelling and hilarious, painting a portrait of life as an artist from two different perspectives, one at the beginning of a career and one at the end of one. With the focus on character, having the right cast proves essential, and the casting of this is flawless. James Corden and Jessica Gunning as the emotionally damaged children capture the underlying injury, resentment, and greed perfectly.
Yet the leads carry the film. In one of his best performances of his career, Ian McKellen proves delightful as Julian, who often uses words like razors, while balancing both sternness and glimpses of vulnerability. Julian Sklar proves to be a man who once loved art but has perhaps become jaded from his lengthy career of dealing with the scrutiny that comes with success and fame. I love everything about Ian McKellen’s portrayal of him. His dialogue garners many laughs throughout the movie, but his talent shines more in the moments where he’s silent. When you have a talent that incredible painting a character so detailed and nuanced, it may be difficult to find a costar who won’t get lost in mix. Casting Michaela Coel in that role guarantees his costar will not fade into the background. She proves exceptional as Lori, who spends more time taking it all in. Frequently silent, she seems to be analyzing Julian, contemplating his words, actions, and art, while trying to determine how to achieve the goal for which she was hired, or if she even really wants to. Their dynamic proves incredibly effective, with both playing off each other and each starting to evolve through their gradual understanding of the other. They seem to acquire a newfound appreciation of art and what being an artist truly means.
While the story also captures the quirks and whims of the art world and those who inhabit it, the bulk of what happens occurs between Julian and Lori and the inner changes that they bring out in each other. If you’re looking for an action-packed heist movie, THE CHRISTOPHERS is not that. Rather, it’s a deeply interesting and comical depiction of what it is to be an artist.
THE CHRISTOPHERS is in theaters now. Check out the trailer!
