Movie biographies have recently become hugely popular.
Perhaps appealing to viewers not wanting to waste time searching online to
discover true tales of decades-old subjects. The genre provides history
in bite sized chunks, easily digested with only the surface elements providing
satisfaction. This works occasionally although it is often better to
search elsewhere for deeper analysis. ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ is in
this style providing a snapshot of a children’s author whose creations still
endure.
A.A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) is an author living in the
countryside with his wife Daphne (Margot Robbie) and young son Christopher
Robin (Will Tilston). Searching for inspiration for his latest work, he
is inspired by Christopher’s toys. Using them to create characters such
as Winnie the Pooh, his instant success changes his family. With a public
enchanted by the books as they try to escape the ravages between the First and
Second World Wars, Milne’s popularity has consequences even his imagination
couldn’t have created.
Directed by Simon Curtis, ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ is an
uneven film. Whilst the facts about Milne creating his popular characters
are fascinating, it’s how the movie conveys these that make it less
amazing. The story feels wrapped in a treacly cute package without much
bite. How the fictional characters affect Christopher’s life and
relationships with his parents is very interesting. But when the script
hits the expected emotional beats, it feels artificial without much
impact. None of that is a reflection on the actors who are excellent but
when the screenplay isn’t quite up to scratch there’s not much they can do.
‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ has a great attention to detail
and looks gorgeous. Even though the period setting is suitably lush,
there’s something fake about how people react to Milne’s work, which is a
problem many biopics have. No one can possibly know how people reacted in
certain situations with the fictional bits of the narrative often getting in
the way of the truth. That doesn’t mean ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ isn’t
engaging as issues of rejection, parenthood and war provide interest.
‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ is a reasonably interesting
exploration of the ramifications of one’s creativity. Although it could
have been better in terms of conveying genuine emotion without feeling
artificial, as biopics go it’s decent enough. This won’t stop more coming
to screens with the well of temptation of turning famous people’s lives into
cinematic fodder never in danger of running dry.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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