Friday, May 27, 2022

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain is a 2021 film based on the life of Louis Wain. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role. A tragic story, made even more heartbreaking because it's true. I cried. I watched it on Amazon Prime.

trailer:

 



The Independent concludes its positive review with this:
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain is also disarmingly tender, blessed with a deep affectation for its subject that feels fuller and more romantic in its nature than straightforward respect. Unlike the usual stories of very clever, very accomplished men that Cumberbatch seems wedded to by destiny, this film doesn’t measure Wain’s personal struggles up against the scope of his contributions. It doesn’t ask you to applaud his sacrifices, or to think that it was all worth it in the end. Wain lived a very sad life. And Cumberbatch, as an actor, has stripped back a few layers of his armour and bared a little more vulnerability – both here and in his ferocious turn in Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog. These two performances are the best work of his career.
The Guardian calls it "an affecting portrait of a creative but troubled man".

22 comments:

  1. ...another one that I missed.

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  2. OH no. It is always sad when someone's life is tough.

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  3. I loved this movie. The acting is superb. I had never heard of Wain, but his art is charming especially for a crazy cat lady.

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    1. I hadn't heard of him either. He was quite an original mind.

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  4. I quite like this actor!
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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  5. Sounds like a great film, I will try to get it here, thanks! alerie

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  6. I really need to get Prime. This will be one of the first things I watch. I've been a fan of Wain's work for a long time.

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    1. He was new to me, and this was a fascinating look at his life and work.

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  7. This looks really good. I'll give it a try. Have a nice day.

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  8. I've not heard of the film, but based on the trailer, I would like to see it. Thanks for the mention!

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    1. I'm glad I came across it. I hope you like it.

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  9. I remember seeing some of the cat paintings but I knew nothing of the artist. What a fabulous, compelling movie about a real man. Cumberbatch is just an amazing actor!! I will watch him in anything at all. He never disappoints. :)

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    1. I like how Cumberbatch can play such varied roles.

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  10. This is on my list to watch.

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  11. I read somewhere about Wain, the artist who drew the cats, but I had NO idea cats weren't house pets in Victorian England. I also knew nothing about Wain's life. I love Cumberbatch. He is truly versatile. Wish I had Prime.

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    1. He is versatile, isn't he. It's interesting to see what he'll do next.

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