Director: Aisling Walsh
Writer: Sherry White
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke and Kari Matchett
‘Deeply Moving Biopic’
Maud Lewis is one of the most inspiring artists in the world. Born in Nova Scotia, she endured many hardships throughout her life. She suffered from arthritis, a severe disease that affected her way of living. She was rejected by the people around her, including her family and husband. Yet, she never gave up her love for painting and against all odds became a beloved artist in her community.
“Maudie” is a deeply moving film that brings to life Maud Lewis’ triumphant story. A heartwarming biopic, it offers an insightful look at the life of the artist. It is not easy to bring a true story to the big-screen, but this is one of those rare films that succeeds. With the help of award-worthy performances and a fantastic script, director Aisling Walsh paints an unforgettable portrait of the Canadian artist. Although Maud Lewis is a household name in Canada, she isn’t as famous around the world. “Maudie” is an exceptional film that will hopefully gain the artist the recognition she deserves.
Although it is based on a true story, “Maudie” follows a unique structure that is different from most biopics. Instead of covering the artist’s entire life, the film focuses on her complex relationship with her husband. Maud is a crippled woman who works as a housemaid for a local fish peddler, Everett. Everett is an abusive man who mistreats Maud, but eventually they get married. As their relationship develops, Maud pursues her passion for painting and soon becomes a famous artist in her community.
It is not easy to capture the persona of a real-life artist, but director Aisling Walsh has succeeded. With “Maudie”, she has crafted a magnificent film that celebrates the legacy of Maud Lewis. There are many challenges that come with making a biopic, but the director overcomes them with ease. Through gorgeous cinematography, a fantastic script and incredible performances, she manages to do justice to Maud Lewis’ story. If you have ever wanted to learn about Maud Lewis or have an interest in art, “Maudie” is must-see.
Although the film does not cover every aspect of the artist’s life, it captures the essence of her personality. The screenplay, which is written by Sherry White, is one of the main highlights of the movie. Filled with larger-than-life characters, witty dialogue and a surprising amount of humor, the script enhances the movie to another level. Perhaps, the most surprising thing about the script is that it is infused with humor. Despite the serious subject matter, “Maudie” is at times a funny and amusing film. The script does a remarkable job of balancing moments of heartbreak with humor. As a result, this keeps the movie engaging without ever becoming a depressing affair.
It is hard to not be moved by the amazing performances from the cast. The actors commit every fiber of their being to telling Maud Lewis’ story and deserve to be recognized come awards season. If nothing else, the film is worth watching for their performances alone.
Sally Hawkins delivers the best performance of her career as Maud Lewis. It is not easy to capture the persona of an iconic and beloved artist, but Hawkins is spot-on in her portrayal. With a child-like wonder and expressive eyes, she embodies the Canadian folk artist. Not only does she physically transform into the artist, but she captures her cheerful personality and spirit. It’s an astonishing performance that deserves awards and recognition. It would be shocking if Sally Hawkins isn’t nominated for an Oscar come awards season.
Ethan Hawke is unforgettable in the role of an abusive but loving husband. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and aggressive in his most demanding role to date. It is a difficult character to play because at first, he comes across as an unlikable and cruel person. However, Hawke brings unexpected depth to the character and garners the audience’s sympathy. It’s a powerful performance from one of the finest actors working in Hollywood today.
These top-notch actors carry the movie for most of its running time. Despite their performances, however, “Maudie” is a long movie that drags to the last minute. Unlike most movies these days which are action-packed, this is a slow film that takes it’s time to unfold. Although this allows for a well-developed story and characters, it tests the viewer’s patience. Due to its slow pacing, “Maudie” is a film that may not appeal to everyone.
Nevertheless, fans of biopics will definitely enjoy “Maudie” and so will anyone interested in the life of Maud Lewis. It is one of those rare films that has been made for movie-goers seeking fresh and original entertainment. And in a Summer that has offered too many mindless and mediocre movies, I’m definitely one of them.
Nearly 60 years following the rise to recognition of a famous Canadian painter, it’s a magnificent tribute towards an artist that overcame barriers of disability to create timeless works of art which changed the world forever.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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