Arthur (1981)

In a time when remakes are all that Hollywood can produce, it is always a pleasure to go back to the more recent classics that, unfortunately, are bound to be transformed into something worse by the sheer sell out of their concept to modern audiences. “Arthur”’s remake will very soon hit theaters with none other than Russell Brand on the starring role that once, in a not so far away 1981, belong masterfully to Dudley Moore. The story of “Arthur” is nothing original in itself. It tells of Arthur, a childish man heir to a large fortune, who never worked a day in his life, who instead prefers to drive fast cars, pick up hookers, and drink a hell of a lot. One day he meets Liza Minnelli, a poor-fast-talking-waitress from Queens, they both click, and he suddenly finds a focus in life. The problem is that if Arthur does not marry the girl his father wants, he will be disinherited. He has to choose between love and money, and the end comes as no surprise. Yet, what makes “Arthur” a gem, is not this standard-easy-to-guess storyline, but rather the chemistry of the performances. Dudley Moore (Oscar nominated) is hilarious as Arthur, when he is sober, and hysterically funny when he is drunk. His chemistry with both his sarcastic butler John Gielgud and Minnelli are the heart and soul of the picture, with priceless pieces of dialogue and one liners. Gielgud won the Oscar for his portrayal of the all-british butler with a twist, with a poignant witticism allied with a tender soul when the occasion calls for (although his ultimate fate seems a bit forced). His first encounter with Minnelli is priceless with both acting geniuses measuring wits. Steve Gordon wrote and directed (his only film as director) this simple comedy with brilliant performances and tongue in cheek screenplay, that is well worth checking out. It also won Oscar for best music, for Burt Bacharach. The only thing that it’s unexplainable is the 3 out of 10 rating on imbd!! There is a lesser known sequel, 1988’s “Arthur 2: on the Rocks”. As for the remake, one may, as Mel Brooks would say, hope for the best, expect the worse. Come what may, one thing is for certain. Helen Mirren can try and mimic Gielgud’s performance, but Brand can never achieve Moore’s brilliance playing a drunk. Actually I don’t think no-one can, with the exception of Chaplin, and that’s saying a lot!