Director: Nicholas Hytner
Screenplay by: Alan Bennett
Starring: Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, The Lady in the Van is an excellent portrait of the very human, and quite British, relationship between Alan Bennett and a seemingly homeless lady named Mary Shepherd who ended up living in her van, outside his house in Camden, for 15 years. What makes this all the more remarkable, where truth can be just as strange as fiction, is it tells the true story of their unusual friendship. As the years pass, Bennett gradually learns more about her and that she isn’t only an eccentric homeless woman but a lady with extensive real-life history that’s rich in experiences.
Alex Jennings plays Alan Bennett, having previously taken on the role in the play in 1999. He physically, and literally, portrays the two sides of Bennett living in his house as one half acts out his day-to-day life, and the other writes. They also talk to each other about the various occurrences, which will become an important part of Bennett’s real-life progression. This works naturally and brings a focused gravitas as we witness both sides of his creative personality on screen.
Smith isn’t so much a revelation because, quite simply, she shines and reminds us of her pure, irresistible talent. She has history to playing this character, when it first treaded the boards in ’99, but now older and more experienced, you understand every emotion and recollection which captures the imagination from being deep inside the lost thoughts, to the momentary happiness and then, the most important here for Miss Shepherd, portraying the regretful and reflective memories. As the story unravels we learn more about Mary Shepherd and in one particular piano scene, we watch a beautiful shot of Smith gradually unfolding to reveal the truth behind her history, just by her literal presence at the back of a room. Maggie Smith, a legend of the cinema screen and stage in my lifetime, is sublime and captivating to demonstrate both the entertaining side of her character but also the deep, deep sadness that remains through the remorse in her decisions.
Hytner and his team have put together a beautiful story that concludes Mary’s story with honesty and amusement. You should also look out for a treat with several subtle cameos from actors involved with The History Boys, which is done with enough elusive nature not to distract. The Lady in the Van is a beautiful celebration of life, of writing, reality and humanity all combined together and it works enormously well.
The Lady in the Van is available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD on March 7.
