NPR Review: Steven Soderbergh's 'The Christophers' is a Witty Tale of Forgery
NPR film critic Justin Chang reviews Steven Soderbergh's latest feature, 'The Christophers,' describing it as a terrific and witty chamber comedy. The film, written by Ed Solomon, stars Ian McKellen as Julian Sklar, an aging and famous painter living in a London townhouse, and Michaela Coel as Lori Butler, his new assistant. Unbeknownst to Julian, Lori is a skilled art restorer hired by his greedy adult children, played by James Corden and Jessica Gunning, to infiltrate his home. Her mission involves locating unfinished portraits of Julian's former lover, Christopher, and forging completions in his style to sell for millions after his anticipated death. The review highlights Soderbergh's nimble direction and the film's clever twists, noting its alignment with his expertise in heist narratives. Chang praises the performances, particularly McKellen's, and appreciates the director's attention to the characters' economic motivations and moral complexities. The article positions the movie as a confirmation of Soderbergh's consistent quality and productivity, comparing his current output favorably to the old Hollywood studio system.
Wire timeline
NPR Review: Steven Soderbergh's 'The Christophers' is a Witty Tale of Forgery
NPR film critic Justin Chang reviews Steven Soderbergh's latest feature, 'The Christophers,' describing it as a terrific and witty chamber comedy. The film, written by Ed Solomon, stars Ian McKellen as Julian Sklar, an aging and famous painter living in a London townhouse, and Michaela Coel as Lori Butler, his new assistant. Unbeknownst to Julian, Lori is a skilled art restorer hired by his greedy adult children, played by James Corden and Jessica Gunning, to infiltrate his home. Her mission involves locating unfinished portraits of Julian's former lover, Christopher, and forging completions in his style to sell for millions after his anticipated death. The review highlights Soderbergh's nimble direction and the film's clever twists, noting its alignment with his expertise in heist narratives. Chang praises the performances, particularly McKellen's, and appreciates the director's attention to the characters' economic motivations and moral complexities. The article positions the movie as a confirmation of Soderbergh's consistent quality and productivity, comparing his current output favorably to the old Hollywood studio system.
npr