The Virtuoso (2021)

The Virtuoso (2021) I watched this film for Anthony Hopkins & Abbie Cornish… but it was mostly who Anson Mount impressed me here. And now David Morse has also entered for a role. The latter is always disturbing. Indeed, he is used to playing rather hateful people, whereas he plays a brutal, but kind-hearted guard in the excellent Green Line.

Anson Mount has the lead role. He carries it very well. His character looks very strong and impervious. But we quickly see his weaknesses. That’s what this film reveals, actually. He must have been a flawless, very professional person, but now he’s floundering.

Anthony Hopkins: we don’t see him that much. Used to characters who know everything and nothing can surprise them thanks to their culture and sharp intelligence.

Abbie Cornish: I wondered if this wasn’t the first film where she played badly, even though she is one of my favourite actresses of the last twenty years. In fact, her character is not very consistent. It seems right and strong, then she quickly becomes weak and adorable. But it’s only as the film progresses that we get the answers to these questions.

Interesting story with a nice narrative.

Good direction, good pace, good ending.

Good characters and good unravelling of the plot.

There are a couple of ridiculous things in this film that prevent it from being totally excellent… but being a very good film is frankly not bad these days.