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Lady in a Van

(17 Posts)
Greyduster Wed 18-Nov-15 18:38:32

Anyone seen this yet? We went this afternoon. I thought it was really very good - funny and moving by turns - excellent cast, all, of course totally overshadowed by Maggie Smith. But then I'm a huge Alan Bennett fan. Not sure whether DH enjoyed it - he says he did, but he struggles with the sound quality of some films, and there were bits of dialogue which could have been clearer.

jinglbellsfrocks Wed 18-Nov-15 18:40:12

Yes. I'd like to see that. Such an amazing thing for Alan Bennett to put up with.

loopylou Wed 18-Nov-15 18:43:18

It's top of my wish list!

Ana Wed 18-Nov-15 18:45:51

I saw the tv dramatisation some years ago, that was good too. Will have to google to see who played the Lady in the Van in it.

Alima Wed 18-Nov-15 18:50:04

Looking forward to seeing this film. We saw Maggie Smith in the stage version about 15 years ago and that was excellent.

Ana Wed 18-Nov-15 18:50:33

blush Apparenly I imagined that! Must have been the Radio 4 production in 2012 I was thinking of - Maggie Smith again playing the Lady.

Tegan Wed 18-Nov-15 19:12:13

I saw it the other night and enjoyed it, but it is the first film we've seen since Life of Pi that I've really liked and the S.O. hated; he said it was toooo slow. There were a few bits that I didn't like [too much mention of bodily functions for me] but in general I thought it was funny, cleverly done and an absolute masterclass in acting...in fact I was wondering if Maggie Smith would be Oscar nominated for it. She certainly deserves to be imo.

Marelli Wed 18-Nov-15 19:40:34

Saw it the other night and thought it was really very good. I love Maggie Smith! There were many mentions of bodily functions (!) but I think this worked ok in the film. We also saw the stage version a few years ago, though it wasn't Maggie Smith who starred in it - can't remember who it was.

Tegan Wed 18-Nov-15 20:11:31

..it's when he kept treading in it that I felt a bit queasy....

Jane10 Wed 18-Nov-15 21:16:12

But is Maggie Smith not just playing Maggie Smith as per usual?

overthehill Wed 18-Nov-15 21:20:54

Saw it this evening. Myself and DH loved it. Probably our age but loved the quieter slower pace with great dialogue rather than the flash bang wallop of most films these days.

KatyK Thu 19-Nov-15 16:51:21

I must get to see this. I read about this lady in an Alan Bennett book some years ago and thought the story was fascinating.

rosesarered Thu 19-Nov-15 16:53:31

I enjoyed reading about her in his books, but don't really fancy going to see the film.

mischief Thu 19-Nov-15 22:25:11

Going next week, will report in.

Grannyjacq1 Sat 21-Nov-15 13:45:29

Is the film suitable to take my 92 year old mother to? She's a bit sensitive to sex and swearing, and I don't want her to be offended. Any advice?

ginny Sat 21-Nov-15 13:58:51

I don't remember any sex but there were a few naughty words and as said before there is a fair amount of 'lavatorial' talk.

My 83 year old MIL has seen it and enjoyed it.

PenJK50 Sat 21-Nov-15 19:16:38

Loved it! Saw the stage version and it compared very well. Definitely suitable for any age up to 100.