Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Dame Judi Dench (right) as Laura Henderson, and Bob Hoskins as Vivian Van Damm in 'Mrs. Henderson Presents'. - CONTRIBUTED
MRS. HENDERSON Presents is one of those rare treats, a movie that surrounds the experiences of an older woman, especially one who is not solely defined as either a wife, mother or grandmother. Written by Martin Sherman, the film is a treat for those who like their comedy marinated in wit and sophistication.
The film presents Judi Dench in full force as Laura Henderson. Mrs. Henderson Presents begins when she returns to England to bury her husband. Now freed from the role of spouse and no longer defined as 'Mr. Henderson's Wife', she is a rich widow who has to find something to occupy her time. Rather than engaging in the usual feats of embroidery or charity, she decides to open her own theatre, the Windmill.
Directed by Stephen Frears, the movie manages to feel quite light and airy, but it isn't frivolous. Its backdrop is the period in England after World War I moving into World War II. As such, despite Mrs. Henderson's eccentricity and all the nude revues which caper across the stage of the Windmill, there is a note of seriousness which is subtly woven into the story.
Additionally, it is filled with the imperialist sensibility that had driven the works of writers such as Jane Austen. Though it never really looks at the war, it is an attempt to show the strength of the British and generally promotes Britishness and their right to rule.
NOT OPENLY OBVIOUS
The film shies away from the openly obvious, allowing the complexity of Mrs. Henderson to shine through beyond her eccentric ways, the same way it allows the war to be a backdrop without dominating the film, and is part of what makes it particularly marvellous. We are able to get a glimpse of what lies behind a woman who is evidently selfish, self-centred and has sufficient money to indulge all her whims.
It is almost possible to imagine that Mrs. Henderson Presents has something interesting to say about the value of theatre. The statement would be quite questionable, as it essentially seems to think it's okay to gift women to soldiers. In this case, rather than getting virgins if you die for the cause, these young soldiers get a peek before they go off to possibly die for their country.
Bob Hoskins stars across from Dench as theatre manager Vivian Van Damm and the two have great chemistry. The dialogue is absolutely delightful and is a significant part of what makes Mrs. Henderson Presents such a treat to watch. One quickly realises that Mrs. Henderson is essentially a rich, white, Englishwoman who is now in complete control of her purse strings and it is quite entertaining to see her indulge her whims.
At times it seems the film's plot is moving horizontally, as there appears to be no development. However, this is quite forgivable as the piece is much more character-driven than plot-driven.
Mrs. Henderson Presents is well directed, beautifully shot and delightfully performed. It delights in wit and is built around characters that one can sink their teeth into.
It is quite delightful really.
