MOVIE | Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, 'Quartet'
LOUNGE / MOVIE
December 5, 2014

MOVIE | Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, 'Quartet'


Musicians Living in a Retirement Home Take on a Concert!


Dustin Hoffman's Directorial Debut, 'Quartet'


Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, 'Quartet,' is set in a retirement home for musicians. The film will be released nationwide starting Friday, April 19th, at TOHO Cinemas Chanter, Bunkamura Le Cinema, and other theaters.



Text by YANAKA Tomomi




A Dream Collaboration of Britain's Leading Actors and Music Artists




'Quartet,' marking the directorial debut of two-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman, depicts the residents of a retirement home for musicians as they strive to save their home with a concert. The film is a blend of laughter, tears, and classical masterpieces.

The cast is also filled with veterans. The film features acclaimed British actors such as Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly, and Michael Gambon. These renowned actors, all in their 70s, gathered at the invitation of Dustin Hoffman, himself 75 years old.

Furthermore, the music world is also represented. Renowned soprano singer Gwyneth Jones joins as the rival to Maggie Smith's character, a former diva. The cast also includes celebrated opera singers like mezzo-soprano Nuccia Focile and baritone John Session, as well as jazz pianist Jack Honeybone and trumpeter Ronnie Hughes – artists whose names resonate in music history. This creates a unique and dreamlike collaboration with the esteemed actors.


Will the Oldest Opera Concert in History Successfully Open?──




Beecham House, nestled in the beautiful English countryside, is home to retired musicians. Here, four legendary former stars of British opera reunite. Facing financial difficulties, the residents of Beecham House hope that the revival of this legendary quartet will save the home through a fundraising concert.

However, the relationships between the four, strained by past grievances, remain fractured. Moreover, the central figure, the diva Jean, is haunted by her past glory and has vowed never to sing again. Will the oldest opera concert in history be able to open successfully?──.

This film, with its beautiful music flowing throughout, is a tribute from Dustin Hoffman, who wraps the joys and sorrows of aging in humanistic humor. It reminds us once again that love and music can color our lives, no matter our age.

'Quartet! The Opera House of Life'
Opening Friday, April 19th at TOHO Cinemas Chanter, Bunkamura Le Cinema, and other theaters nationwide.
Director: Dustin Hoffman
Starring: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins
Distribution: Gaga
2012 / UK / 99 minutes
quartet.gaga.ne.jp

© Headline Pictures (Quartet) Limited and the British Broadcasting
Corporation 2012