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The Dresser

Play trailer Poster for The Dresser TV-14 2015 1h 45m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 61% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In a touring Shakespearean theatre company, backstage hand Norman is devoted to the brilliant but tyrannical head of the company, Sir; he struggles to support the deteriorating star as the company works to carry on during the London blitz.
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The Dresser

The Dresser

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Critics Consensus

The Dresser brilliantly showcases two of the most gifted actors of their generation within a thoughtful, well-executed production offering intelligent commentary on the human condition.

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Critics Reviews

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John Doyle Globe and Mail 06/01/2016
It is deliciously funny and moving. It is also profoundly about why people perform and create art. And it is heartbreakingly accurate about actors and the theatre. Go to Full Review Tim Goodman The Hollywood Reporter 05/31/2016
It's delightful and winning, both sad and funny and touching on so many levels. Welcome this little gem into your arms if you can. Go to Full Review Mary McNamara Los Angeles Times 05/31/2016
It is, it really is, just as magnificent, powerful and enthralling as you would imagine. Yet to assume the greatness of The Dresser based on the simply sum of its parts is to miss the whole point of the story. Go to Full Review Julia Felsenthal Vogue 03/07/2017
The best part of The Dresser is watching Hopkins and McKellen, two actors at the peak of their considerable powers, playing off each other. Go to Full Review Jeff Beck The Blu Spot 07/11/2016
3.5/5
While The Dresser may have ups and downs in its narrative, there's no denying that Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Ian McKellen deliver stunning performances that alone make the film worth seeing. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Kurt D 12/13/2024 Loved this movie! Such incredible acting and an interesting parallel between the backstage drama and the plot of King Lear. Life imitates art! See more 09/13/2021 It's always a risk adapting a great play into a movie, film is a visual medium after all that can show a broader view to its audiance. And although the performances in this movie is superb, it lacks that cinematic experience, it feels like a stage play. McKellen and Hopkins are at their best though, with an equally impressive performance from Edward Fox as the lessor actor just happy to be part of the show. But the most cinematic and unexpected performance comes from Sarah Lancashire, it's very subtle and quite emotional. If you like movies that's adapted from stage plays, this one's for you. See more Emilio T @MilloTPue 01/08/2019 As excellent as teathrical play than sometimes it forgets verosimilude. However, worth it to watch this two monsters, specially McKellen. Teather inside play is really good. Actresses and secondaries are also outstanding. In fact, is an actress which gives depth to the story, which loses some bright at the end. See more 12/11/2018 Of course, it's a showcase of great acting, as you would expect, but The Dresser is also a well-tailored play enriched by layers of metaphor and irony. See more 07/16/2017 ***TWO MONUMENTAL THESPIANS COMPETING FOR THE CAMERA LENS -- A FAN'S FEAST*** See more 02/21/2017 McKellen and Hopkins put a lot of effort into their characters and this stage play looks good on film because of it. See more Read all reviews
The Dresser

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Cast & Crew

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Richard Eyre

Director

Ian McKellen

Norman

Anthony Hopkins

Sir

Vanessa Kirby

Irene

Emily Watson

Her Ladyship

Sarah Lancashire

Madge

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The Dresser

The Dresser (2015) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In a touring Shakespearean theatre company, backstage hand Norman is devoted to the brilliant but tyrannical head of the company, Sir; he struggles to support the deteriorating star as the company works to carry on during the London blitz.
Director
Richard Eyre
Producer
Suzan Harrison
Production Co
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Playground Entertainment
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 12, 2016
Runtime
1h 45m
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