The Dresser

TV-14

2015

1 hr. 45 min.

Drama

List

100%

14 Reviews

Tomatometer

60%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

In a touring Shakespearean theatre company, backstage hand Norman is devoted to the brilliant but tyrannical head of the company, Sir; he struggles to support the deteriorating star as the company works to carry on during the London blitz.

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Critics Consensus

The Dresser brilliantly showcases two of the most gifted actors of their generation within a thoughtful, well-executed production offering intelligent commentary on the human condition.

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Audience Member

It's always a risk adapting a great play into a movie, film is a visual medium after all that can show a broader view to its audiance. And although the performances in this movie is superb, it lacks that cinematic experience, it feels like a stage play. McKellen and Hopkins are at their best though, with an equally impressive performance from Edward Fox as the lessor actor just happy to be part of the show. But the most cinematic and unexpected performance comes from Sarah Lancashire, it's very subtle and quite emotional. If you like movies that's adapted from stage plays, this one's for you.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

Audience Member

As excellent as teathrical play than sometimes it forgets verosimilude. However, worth it to watch this two monsters, specially McKellen. Teather inside play is really good. Actresses and secondaries are also outstanding. In fact, is an actress which gives depth to the story, which loses some bright at the end.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Of course, it's a showcase of great acting, as you would expect, but The Dresser is also a well-tailored play enriched by layers of metaphor and irony.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

***TWO MONUMENTAL THESPIANS COMPETING FOR THE CAMERA LENS -- A FAN'S FEAST***

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

Audience Member

McKellen and Hopkins put a lot of effort into their characters and this stage play looks good on film because of it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Sir (Anthony Hopkins): Hate the critics? I have nothing but compassion for them. How can one hate the crippled, the mentally deficient, and the dead? With two titans of the silver screen on board, what else would you expect but perfection and what a perfect performance did they bring? It comes as no surprise that Sir Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen would deliver very riveting and powerful performances. As an audience, you are just captivated by their presence; you just can't turn away from them and they owned every minute they were on scene. Emily Watson and Sarah Lancashire did beautifully as well and portrayed their characters marvelously: oozing with quiet, admirable strength that would make their gender proud. They were the perfect supporting cast, seemingly unassuming but all too vital to the story. Overall, the story was very entertaining and everyone's performances, thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

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Richard Eyre

Director

Ian McKellen

Norman

Anthony Hopkins

Sir

Vanessa Kirby

Irene

Emily Watson

Her Ladyship

Sarah Lancashire

Madge

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John Doyle

Globe and Mail

It is deliciously funny and moving. It is also profoundly about why people perform and create art. And it is heartbreakingly accurate about actors and the theatre.

Jun 1, 2016

Full Review

Tim Goodman

Hollywood Reporter

It's delightful and winning, both sad and funny and touching on so many levels. Welcome this little gem into your arms if you can.

May 31, 2016

Full Review

Mary McNamara

Los Angeles Times

It is, it really is, just as magnificent, powerful and enthralling as you would imagine. Yet to assume the greatness of The Dresser based on the simply sum of its parts is to miss the whole point of the story.

May 31, 2016

Full Review

Julia Felsenthal

Vogue

The best part of The Dresser is watching Hopkins and McKellen, two actors at the peak of their considerable powers, playing off each other.

Mar 7, 2017

Full Review

Jeff Beck

The Blu Spot

While The Dresser may have ups and downs in its narrative, there's no denying that Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Ian McKellen deliver stunning performances that alone make the film worth seeing.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 11, 2016

Full Review

Isaac Feldberg

We Got This Covered

Thoughtful and thrilling in spite of its modest external appearances, The Dresser finds two of our finest thespians at the peak of their powers.

Rated: 8/10

May 30, 2016

Full Review

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Synopsis

In a touring Shakespearean theatre company, backstage hand Norman is devoted to the brilliant but tyrannical head of the company, Sir; he struggles to support the deteriorating star as the company works to carry on during the London blitz.

Director: Richard Eyre
Executive Producer: Colin Callender, Sonia Friedman, Polly Hill, Ben Stephenson
Production Co: British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Playground Entertainment
Rating: TV-14
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 12, 2016

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