What would you do if you were filthy rich? Give money to the poor? Save it and never spend a dime? Well in Arthur’s case, he squanders his wealth on alcohol, prostitutes, a batmobile, and various other inane activities. What he doesn’t bank on, is falling in love with a girl who shakes up his world…and his finances. What ensues is an amusing escapade filled with alcoholism and fairy tales.
30 years after the original’s release, the remake of Arthur directed by James Winer, put a smile on my dial. Starring the ever-eccentric comedian Russell Brand as our havoc-wreaking millionaire heir, the film takes you on a journey into the life of a man who really does have everything. As he struts about town, and lavishly indulges in parties and fun, you get the impression that money can buy happiness. But as he delves into the depths of idiocy and childish games, you realize there is more to his story than meets the eye.
Arthur’s mother and businesswoman, Vivienne (Geraldine James), who he passionately fails to recognise as ‘mum’, gives him a stern ultimatum after he publicly embarrasses the family name. He must either marry Susan, (Jennifer Garner) a money hungry psycho, or lose his $950 million inheritance. Of course the money is the obvious choice, until someone throws a spanner in the mix in the form of a commoner girl named Naomi (Greta Gerwig). As Arthur fights for his right to love, with his trusty nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren) and his driver sidekick Bitterman (Luis Guzmán) at his side, he slowly begins an uphill battle to rid himself of old habits, and addictions.
What could be mistaken as a chick-flick – with its warm lighting and cotton candy style scripting – is actually a decent comedy about the negatives of excess, and the complexities of social status. Cartoons, dress-ups, and extravagant dates are just Arthur’s way of dealing with a world filled with selfish rich snobs, who are constantly looking for a leg up.
Brand plays the part of Arthur well, and you instantly feel a connection to him even though he lacks the overall charm of the original Arthur, the late Dudley Moore. As he goes through his highs and lows, your reactions change from doubling over in laughter, to feeling utterly sympathetic for him. Helen Mirren who plays his nanny, Hobson, pulls out a wonderfully staunch performance, as she sarcastically deals with Arthur’s frivolities, and supports him like a backbone. Together they bring an old-time favorite into the 21st century in this light-hearted adaption. It may not be an Oscar contender, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re up for an amusing non-thinker.
Radhika Chopra is a Bachelor of Journalism student at La Trobe University and is a member of the upstart editorial team.
