My Old Lady - A Movie Review

Precision is the key to a long life.

My Old Lady is a 2014 comedy-drama. Mathias Gold inherits an apartment in Paris from his estranged father. Upon traveling to Paris, he discovers Mathilde Girard, an old woman, occupying the apartment with her daughter, Chloe. As Mathias attempts to sell the contract, he uncovers revelations and a hidden romantic history.

It’s always nice to watch movies with actors who have passed and cherish their legacy. I'm stunned by the number of underrated films that exist in the world. My Old Lady is a poignant comedy-drama that explores themes of family secrets, redemption, and relationships.

Kevin Kline, Kristen Scott Thomas, and the late Maggie Smith star in My Old Lady. All three actors share a captivating dynamic. They bring depth to their roles, portraying relatable complexities and dilemmas. The trio had a fun time working together on the film.

As you may have guessed, Smith plays Mathilde Girard, an elderly 90-year-old woman. I miss Smith so much! At the time of the film’s release, Smith was ten years younger than her character, but she fooled me! She was great at making herself appear feeble. Smith brought her good-natured charm and sarcasm to the role.

I felt like I was in a trance while listening to Kline’s compelling monologues. He is a very talented actor. He plays Mathias, a cynical and yet vulnerable man with dark demons. He has a troubled past with drinking and a strained relationship with his late father.

Kristen Scott Thomas is another talented actress who has achieved notable range in several films. Similar to Mathias, Chloe is also facing personal decisions, whether to defy her mother or make a life of her own. Kline and Thomas bore unexpected chemistry as their characters relate to similar burdens.

The film utilizes its Paris setting, acting as a character. Paris always makes a thrilling setting filled with picturesque scenery and opportunities. It’s popular for its history, but what are we traveling for? Cinematographer Michel Amathieu captured the elegance of Paris’s famous architecture. The setting draws audiences into the character’s world.

The production design authentically recreates the lived-in feel of a Parisian apartment, adding to the film's immersive quality. Apartments, or any home, are essential in films because they represent characters’ stories. In contrast to Paris’s bright atmosphere, sunlight barely treads this apartment, symbolizing the burden it has on the characters.

Based on one of his own scripts, My Old Lady was the late Israel Horovitz’s directorial debut at the age of 74. Horovits was an American playwright who wrote over 50 produced plays that have been translated into 30 languages.

Horovitz's screenplay balances humor and drama, allowing audiences a front seat to watch the characters’ histories. The film's pacing reflects its theatrical roots, with extended dialogues and intimate settings that draw the audience into the characters' world.

While researching behind-the-scenes facts about this movie, I just learned that My Old Lady premiered as a stage show in 1996 at the Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, MA. I live close to this theater and have seen a few exciting productions. Horovits also grew up in Wakefield, MA, which is right next to my hometown. You learn something new every day!

We can do anything at any age, especially change. Change is always one of my favorite themes in any story. My Old Lady has several emotional beats. The story tends to wander, but stays grounded with the actors.

Maggie Smith fans need to check out My Old Lady. It’s a lighthearted movie to enjoy for all.