This film from Sony Pictures Classics opens in San Diego cinemas on April 29th and will be released in other markets over the next few weeks.
Most of the time, priceless works of are targeted by criminal groups and master burglars. But one of the most famous stolen painting cases in Great Britain involved a much more common and eccentric figure. The Duke tells this notable true story. While the movie does deal with a major theft, it isn’t really a heist movie. It is primarily focused the eccentric individuals in a family, their history and the deeper reasons behind the crime itself. There aren’t a lot of big surprises in this simple tale and the screenplay is more than a little sentimental, but the cast are so charming that film still makes an impression.
Set in the early 1960s, the movie introduces viewers to Newcastle native Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent). He is a self-educated 61-year-old idealist who spends most of his time writing unsolicited stage plays and protesting eccentric grievances like a television ta. His defiance impresses his youngest son Jackie (Fionn Whitehead), but it often results in prosecutions and minor jail time. The only person more frustrated by Kempton than local officials is his wife, Dorothy (Helen Mirren). When the government announces that they have purchased the Francisco Goya painting Portrait of the Duke of Wellington for the hefty sum of £140,000, Kempton is immediately incensed that his tax money has gone to the picture and not seniors like himself. An unusual series of events follow in which the famous piece of art disappears from the National Gallery in London and ends up in his possession.
The lead is very passionate about a great many issues, but also prone to troublemaking, getting himself fired and leaving his family in constant financial trouble. This could be a very grating character, but Broadbent’s manner and delivery of verbal jabs at the expense of those around keep him likable. This is particularly true when he is being grilled during a trail. The performer continually responds to questions in a blunt and direct, yet unhelpful manner as he is bombarded by prosecutors.
And while most films of this genre would focus on an elaborate scheme to break in and obtain the valuable art, the robbery itself is presented in a straightforward manner. This simplicity is amusing in and of itself, and the movie gets more comedic milage out of those investigating the crime, who won’t be convinced that the thief isn’t anything but a cunning genius. And things get even more humorous as the protagonist spends much of his time with Jackie trying to keep the painting hidden from his wife. The movie also adds a little unexpected twist to the story (for those unfamiliar with the case) thanks to some clever editing. This turn also helps emphasize that, while he isn’t always reliable, the protagonist still has nothing but the best motivations for his behavior.
The supporting turns are also helpful in keeping the film amusing and adding a bit of gravitas, especially with the conflict between Kempton and spouse Dorothy. Mirren’s character does have fun moments as she reacts to her husband’s outrageous pranks, but also manages to eke out some drama as she and her husband are forced to acknowledge and discuss a past tragedy. Additionally, Kempton’s barrister Jeremy Hutchinson (Matthew Goode) makes an impression as he cleverly uses a technicality to try and help his client. His closing argument may be a bit exaggerated and sentimental, but the cast all ultimately sell the material.
As mentioned, there isn’t any searing drama in this feature, nor is there intrigue or great deal of tension in regards to the heist. But that is what helps differentiate it from other titles with a similar subject. And this film does paint a clearer picture of Kempton Bunton. It is a sweet, likable and good-natured effort that details a few more interesting facts about a very unusual crime. As such, The Duke is a warm and cozy film that ultimately managed to steal some chuckles from this reviewer.