Every once in a while, a film comes along that is nothing but an absolute joy from start to finish – a crowd-pleasing, feel-good belter of a movie. The Phantom Of The Open, directed by Craig Roberts and scripted by Paddington 2 screenwriter Simon Farnaby, based on the book he co-wrote with Scott Murray, is one such movie, and one of the best films of the year.
Based on a remarkable true story, the film sees Mark Rylance leading the cast as Maurice Flitcroft, a crane operator from Barrow-in-Furness in the north of England. Despite his humble standing in life, he wants for more, and early on in the story, promises his future wife Jean (Sally Hawkins), champagne, caviar, and a promise that he will show her the world. With the threat of being made redundant from his job, he’s searching for what to do next and, during a late-night stumbling across highlights from a golf tournament on his newly purchased television, Flitcroft decides that he will take up the sport and enter the prestigious British Open.
In 1976, he manages to secure a spot in the open after fibbing on an application form by saying he was a pro. Within weeks he is sharing the greens with some of the greats and, after a painful 18 holes, becomes the worst golfer in the tournament’s history, much to the annoyance of the suits in charge, specifically Rhys Ifans’ stuffy tourno big wig, Keith McKenzie. Not to be dismayed by his initial failings, Flitcroft finds a way to re-enter the competition using various disguises and made-up names, all to heartwarming hilarity.
It’s safe to say that I loved every single minute of this movie. Rylance is perfectly cast as Maurice Flitcroft, who we’re cheering on from the outset, and Hawkins is equally as charming as the always supporting Jean. The two actors’ scenes early on establish a convincing bond between these two souls and set up a wonderful final act containing moments that’ll have you reaching for the tissues.
There’s a wonderful sub-plot involving the Flitcroft’s twin sons who are on their journey for superstardom as disco dancers, while there’s another one which eventually comes together in the final scenes with the Maurice’s step-son, Mike (Jake Davies) who is slightly less enamoured by his golfing exploits.
An underdog story with time more like Eddie The Eagle than Rocky [with golf clubs], The Phantom Of The Open is skilfully directed by the talented Roberts in only his third feature as director, while Farnaby’s fun script also offers many moments of laugh-out-loud humour and touching, layered raw emotion.
It’ll have you laughing, welling up with tears and wanting to experience it all over again, right away.
The Phantom Of The Open
Summary
Funny, life-affirming and charming, The Phantom Of The Open is a feel-good cracker that will have you in tears by the time the credits roll – in a good way.
