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Brenda Blethyn,
Brenda Blethyn,
Jane Horrocks,
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Mark Herman,
Mark Herman
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: Miramax
: Drama, Foreign, Independent, British Drama, Dysfunctional Families, UK
: 96 min.
: English
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Based on Jim Cartright's play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, this screen adaptation directed by Mark Herman is an underdog film about an underdog girl named Little Voice (or LV for short). LV (Jane Horrocks from Mike Leigh's Life Is Sweet who does all her own singing) is a shy, mousy woman living with her mom Mari (Secrets and Lies' Brenda Blethyn). Little Voice doesn't leave her house. Instead she sings along to her record collection of Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland, and Marilyn Monroe. Her mother Mari, however, is an outspoken woman who is convinced her sex appeal (which is little) will land her a man, especially when she's drunk. One night while bar-hopping, Mari meets the suave yet sleazy talent agent Ray Say (Michael Caine), whom she takes home for a nightcap. There Ray hears the beautiful Little Voice singing a perfect rendition of Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. He's stunned by its beauty and thinks he can make her a star. From there the story heads in complicated, romantic, and sweet-hearted directions that should not be given away. Also starring in this small independent film is Ewan McGregor. ~ Arthur Borman, All Movie Guide
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| Astounding Vocal Mimicry from Jane Horrocks as Little Voice
by BChiles
November 5, 2002 - 6:18 PM PST
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6 out of 6 members found this review helpful
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This often charming film, based on a play directed by Sam Mendes, is most notable for the performances of Jane Horrocks as shy, withdrawn LV (little voice) and Brenda Blethyn as her coarse-mouthed mother.
Within their home in the seaside village of Scarborough, LV isolates from her mother by listening to her deceased father's vocal records from the 50s and 60s. When her mother starts dating small time impresario Ray Say (Michael Caine) he discovers the amazing talent of LV to mimic the voice and style of various talents heard on her father's records. Among them: Judy Garland, Billy Holiday, Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Bassey.
Encouraged to display her talent before the public, LV overcomes her stage fright by imagining her father in the audience. Unable to reconcile her grief at his death, her performances push her to emotional limits. Her only true support, is provided by a friendly equally shy phone technician portrayed by Ewan McGregor.
Tnis film works largely on the merits of its exceptional cast. Brenda Blethyn's mother is a multi-dimensional force of vulgarity and humor, earning our sympathy as she so desperately pursues Ray knowing her looks are a thing of the past. She is just as believable in revealing the harsh way she pushes her daughter beyond her limits for the security of money and continued connection with her new boyfriend.
Michael Caine, always a welcome presence, is able within a few short scenes to reveal the mercenary, self-centered motivation beneath his external charm and humor as Ray, booker of has-been and never-were talents.
Greatest credit however, is due Jane Horrocks for her uncanny vocal resemblance to the stars she must impersonate within her night club performance. Despite an overly dramatic ending that seems unwarranted by what preceeds it, I found this film to be very satisfying, holding up well through multiple viewings. I especially recommend it to fans of the great vocalists of the 50s and 60s. |
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GreenCine Member Rating
(Average 7.14)
95 Votes
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