If there's anything to be learned by the surprise success of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, it's that older folks will pay out the nose for movies too as long as you give them something worth coming out for. Dustin Hoffman appears to be aiming for that same demo with his directorial debut, an adaptation of Ronald Harwood's musical stageplay, Quartet.
Starring a number of Britan's finest thesps, including Dame Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay, Michael Gambon, Pauline Collins, and Sheridan Smith, the film follows the various misadventures and relationships amongst a bunch of opera singers at a retirement home. Smith plays a newcomer who was once a big deal back in her day, but now refuses to take part in the group's concert celebrating Verdi's birthday.
The comedy looks a bit goofier than 'Marigold Hotel' was, so whether or not this can have the same impact is up in the air. I just think it's amazing this is Hoffman's first directing job after so many decades in the business. Harwood's adapting his own play for the film probably helped the process go along smoothly, as well as working with so many vets who are already familiar with one another. Quartet opens early next year in the U.K., but hasn't secured distribution in America just yet. Check out the trailer below...
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