By Pat Burns, GRAND Magazine film reviewer
When given the opportunity to create a film with three, well established, very talented actors you would imagine that’s a director’s dream come true. And, it was that for Israel Horovitz. This time, however, I would venture to say that Maggie Smith, Kevin Kline and Kristin Scott Thomas perhaps felt it was their dream come true when the infamous playwright, Israel Horovitz, offered them the lead roles in his feature film – his directorial debut.
Israel has written 70 plus plays that have been translated and performed in more than 30 languages, worldwide. This amount of writing experience stood eloquently in My Old Lady – a dramedy directed and written by Israel Horovitz.
Set in Paris, the film features a destitute New Yorker who, on his last dollar, travels to France to sell an inherited old Parisian apartment; which has a spacious yard flooded with distant memories from his childhood visit. Although there are many lite and funny moments in this film, provided mostly by Kevin Kline and Maggie Smith, there is also discovery and pain. For anyone that’s been through a disappointing childhood or an estranged relationship with a parent – you’ll find this film remarkably authentic. The story keeps the audience engaged and has just enough plot twists to keep everyone guessing.
Watch the movie trailer:
Click below to listen to Pat Burns very personal interview with director Israel Horovitz
Pat Burns helps families save money – tax free, with no market risk while building compounding wealth which helps to guarantee their financial future. She is also the co-founder of the Orange County Children’s Book Festival; a film reporter, Regional Editor of GRAND Magazine, author of Grandparents Rock®, and the happy grandmother of four.