321. Nothing Like A Dame; movie review

NOTHING LIKE A DAME
Cert 12A
82 mins
BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language, moderate sex references

As a youngster, my ambition was to be a football reporter. I loved the game but was a rubbish player and couldn't imagine being a referee so sitting in the press box seemed a way forward.
Later in life, I briefly reported on the beautiful game and realised that being close to it was not the same as being a fan.
Indeed, the deeper I delved into football, the less I admired its participants who struck me as arrogant and insular.
Therefore, I walked away from sport reporting and immersed myself in the real world of news.
In the last decade movies have become my passion and people ask me whether I would like to meet its stars but my football experience is a lesson learned.
Nothing Like A Dame showed me whyI am right to be cautious. I might be a fan but luvvyland would not be for me.
That is not to say that Roger Michell's film is not interesting nor entertaining. It is fascinating to hear  the back stories of Dames Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Joan Plowright and Eileen Atkins.
The lifelong friends are recorded during one of their regular meet-ups and Michell prompts anecdotes with the occasional question.
And it is reasonably interesting because they go back to their first days on the stage, telling of their failures as well as their successes.
Indeed, the hallmark of the film is that they seem to be deliberately playing down their achievements - Smith is particularly deadpan and witty in her self-mockery.
And there are laughs - not least from the cast when they tell their naughtier tales with a twinkle in their collective eyes.
However, there is also recognition that the acting fraternity can be grumpy - Plowright's husband, Sir Laurence Olivier being singled out as brilliant but bombastic.
Indeed, the old dames have a bit of a giggle at having their own prima donna moments and Atkins admits that, in hindsight, she would have liked to have been less rude to people.
It gives an inkling as to why I prefer a window on the movies rather than to be inside the industry.


Reasons to watch; Four great actresses in conversation
Reasons to avoid: A bit too much like a mates' gathering

Laughs: Two and a few chuckles
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10

The big question - Are they real are they playing for the cameras?

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