Film Review: Downton Abbey
Never without class, elegance, and charm.
The pantheon of successful television shows turned into successful films is a limited one. In the past two decades, cinematic versions of either recently concluded television shows or ones nearly forgotten have resulted in less than stellar results. There are a few exceptions (perhaps most unexpectedly, the over-the-top comedic efforts of 21 Jump Street), but more often than not, they end up as nothing more than caricatures of a television show long gone. Much loved drama Downton Abbey makes its way into cinemas and has the distinct advantage of being not too far removed from their original television run (2010-2015). On top of which, most, if not all, of the series' actors and characters, are returning to a script and story written by the show's creator Julian Fellowes. It is with that advantage that Downton Abbey finds itself in rarefied company- it is a film that deviates very little from what made the television show so successful and charming, with only the medium in which it tells its story changing.
The film is set in 1927, a year after the events of the series end, and finds the Crawley Family unexpectedly hosting King George V and Queen Mary at Downton. The royal visit has the house in a flurry of activity as it rushes to prepare for its royal guests. From here we are reintroduced to the wonderful characters of the "upstairs" (Hugh Bonneville as The Earl of Grantham, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, Elizabeth McGovern as Lady Cora, Maggie Smith as the Countess, et al) as well as the cast of the "downstairs" (Brendan Coyle as Mr Bates, Joanne Froggatt as Mrs. Bates, Lesley Nicol as Ms. Patmore, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, et al), who have thankfully, not changed all that much since we last saw them. As Downton prepares for the visit, we find that the dynamics that the show built up over the course of 5 seasons are very much intact. The visiting Royals are bringing their own team of staff, a touring entourage that ultimately ends up clashing with Downton's staff. From here we see the resolve, love and comradeship found within the Downton staff as they battle with the visiting staff to maintain their place in the house. The story unfolds with humor, wit, and a reserved elegance that became the mainstay to the series.
There are a lot of characters in the film to find screen time for. In the 122 minutes, we are given enough screentime for some old favorites (like former chauffeur and Irish socialist Tom Branson) to find significant storylines while being introduced to new characters. A dispute over an inheritance finds the introduction of Imelda Staunton (as Queen Mary's Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Maud Bagshaw- the cousin of Lord Grantham) and her maid into the plot that weaves itself in and out of the main narrative. It's a similar case for Downton's long-suffering, now head butler Thomas Darrow (Robert James-Collier) living the life of a closeted homosexual in 1920s England. Along with stories of Lady Edith's head-strong clash with tradition and kitchen maid Daisy's constant disdain for the monarchy that makes for many interesting puzzle pieces that Fellowes has crafted to fit together rather well. We are given plenty of time to fall in love with everyone again, and while the injection of new blood gives the movie a fresh note, the composition of the overall piece remains wonderfully true to the series.
The humor is never overwhelming or tacky (rather delightful at times), and the commentary less of an attempt at sociopolitical upheaval than it is revisiting a time in history and how it was. The film's biggest drawback perhaps is its reliance on the audience's knowledge of the series. It would be difficult to understand or fully invest in the myriad of characters, backstories, and histories if you weren't one of those who have seen the series in its entirety. The film relies heavily on your understanding of everything that has happened over the course of the series. In a strange way, it is also one of the film's strength- that it doesn't need to spend precious screen time retreating or explaining 6 seasons' worth of television.
At the conclusion of the film, the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Carson walk away from Downton after a busy several days, talking about the changing times. Mr. Carson states that in a hundred years, no matter the circumstances, that Downton will still be standing. Downton is the silent giant of both the series and the film. The monolithic structure quietly and elegantly remains in the backdrop of almost every significant occurrence in the film, and like the series, remains as the defining presence of everything that happens. Downton Abbey is a joy, never without class, elegance, and charm. In a world where big-screen entertainment is dominated by galactic imaginations that has become equally captivating, this film is much needed quiet refinement.
Downton Abbey is in cinemas now in the UK and Australia and will open in US cinemas September 20th.
DOWNTON ABBEY
Directed by: Michael Engler
Written by: Julian Fellowes
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Joanne Froggatt, Brendan Coyle, Maggie Smith
Distributed by: Focus Features
Runtime: 122 minutes