If you’re tired of all the negativity in the world at the moment, this movie is for you. Mr Blake At Your Service! is the gentle, heartwarming hug we all need fight now.
Andew Blake (John Malkovich) is a well-to-do English businessman who’s grieving the recent loss of his wife. Finding no solace in his homeland he ventures back to the place where they first met, the Domaine De Beauvillier estate. While his close friends are concerned about the venture, he assures them it will be fine.
Upon arrival he is mistaken for someone who’s answered a job advertisement. And so he finds himself taking on the role of butler to Madame de Beauvillier (Fanny Ardant).
Madam Beauvillier is herself stricken by the death of her husband some years prior. Unable to move on she is unaware of the deception. In her malaise she’s let the estate fall into disrepair. With only two staff and no guests the financial viability of the estate is under threat.
As I watched the contented audience move out I pondered:
- It’s easy to see why the novel behind the movie was so well received across 22 countries and sold over a million copies;
- Malkovich is a delight whether playing a schemer, a lover or an older gent. Hearing him speak French is an added bonus;
- The delicate humour is quietly sprinkled throughout the movie;
- Director Gilles Legardinier has done an excellent job in adapting and directing his own book;
- The movie is about journeying through loss along with the class system, friendship and taking time to reflect on life.
- It is a timely reprieve that leaves you with a warm heart ready to tackle the world again.
For more information go to Luna Cinemas. There is a special morning tea on July 18th.
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