The Lady in the Van

— I missed “The Lady in the Van” in theaters so I checked it out on DVD the other day. Although billed as a comedy, I’d say that’s pushing it. This is the “mostly true story” of an unpleasant but mysterious elderly woman who lives in a van, and Alan Bennett, a milquetoast author, who lets her temporarily park in his driveway—she ends up staying for 15 years. The film looks like a stage play (it was, and the play was based on the real Bennett's book) and is as much the story of Bennett as of the woman. Not much really happens except for the slow development of their friendship. Maggie Smith is incredible (isn’t she always?) which is a good thing given the dull and wandering nature of the plot. Alex Jennings is good too, in both his roles (one the Bennett who lives his life and the other the Bennett who writes, which can be a little much when they converse with each other). Their bond is interesting as is the reactions of their neighbors. There’s also an interesting thread about how much writers should adhere to reality and whether it’s okay to augment reality. In the end, it’s Smith’s performance that’ll engage you, but as an entertaining story, it’s just so-so.

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[2015. 104 min. Directed by Nicholas Hytner. Starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings.]
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/the-lady-in-the-van/review/