The Dresser

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The Dresser

TV-14

2015

1h 45m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

100%

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14 Reviews

62%

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250+ Ratings

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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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

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Tim Goodman

The 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Kurt D

Loved this movie! Such incredible acting and an interesting parallel between the backstage drama and the plot of King Lear. Life imitates art!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/14/24

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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

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Emilio T

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 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/13/24

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

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Audience Member

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

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

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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

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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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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
Producer: Suzan Harrison
Production Co: British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Playground Entertainment
Rating: TV-14
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 12, 2016
Runtime: 1h 45m

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