After Elsa Keslassy’s positive words for Florian Zeller’s “The Son,” here’s another rave from Tim Nasson:
The Son is nothing less than perfection when it comes to writing, acting, editing, directing and original score (by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer). The entire cast is extraordinary but pay particular attention to the one scene that Hugh Jackman and Anthony Hopkins are in together on screen. Making their interaction appear utterly seamless, Hopkins and Jackman show exactly what acting is meant to be. Their one scene together, which transpires in less than ten minutes, is also what Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominations and wins are made of. (Reminiscent of the powerful Tom Cruise/Val Kilmer scene in Top Gun: Maverick).
I figure this review will get taken down since the embargo doesn’t get lifted until during tomorrow’s Venice premiere.
Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean “The Son” will get glowing reviews. It just one man’s opinion and some have already complained on social media about Hugh Jackman’s hammy acting in the trailer. Although, that didn’t really bother me.
Suffice to say, the campaign for Zeller’s movie is very much under way. Just to emphasize the pain and suffering the actors of the film had to endure tackling this troubling material, a trade even revealed that Jackman, and his co-star Laura Dern had access to an on-set therapist during the filming of “The Son”l,” due to the “difficulty of some scenes”. Oh, to suffer for thou art!
Oscar season is most definitely under way.