There are no special effects in Maudie, and it moves as slowly as a tortoise, but it's refreshing to see a feature film concentrating on the true tale of a modest but tragic Canadian artist, Maud Lewis, and her crotchety husband, Everett. The cinematography is luscious, making use of different lights and seasons, and of town, sea and pastoral locations. Sally Hawkins is excellent as Maude - portraying just how strong she was in the face of a nasty and hostile brother and aunt, who prefer to issue vitriol rather than love. Maud moves in as housekeeper to Everett (Ethan Hawke) because she has nowhere else to go. He really is a brute, seeing her as less than a dog and also beating her. Only somewhat mitigating his behaviour is the fact he was brought up in an orphanage. Hawke beautifully conveys that Everett doesn't know how to love or be loved. He knows how to survive, and give orders, although while at first Maude is an unwelcome burden to him, he slowly lets her in, just enough for a partly functional marriage to develop. I love how the movie shows how art - Maude's simple paintings of animals and the landscape - can offer great solace, self-expression and allows her to transcend her harsh life of poverty and isolation. It literally brightens up Maude's small, drab house. It provides an income, and also is an escape from her severe arthritis. Her gift gives her so much! I was left with the impression that Maude was a hero. She tried to make the most of life. Her rich, art dealer friend yearns to be able to paint, and it's truly an enviable talent.
Review of Maudie
