A trailer for Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, the opera comedy Quartet, was released back in July but was quickly pulled by the studio. Now with the film only a couple of months away from opening in theaters, it's been re-released onto the web, and by the looks of it fans of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will have something else to choose from this holiday season.
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 on December 28th. Check out the trailer and a new clip below....
