Review: The Whales of August

The story of two elderly sisters living in a seaside home, tempestuous Bette Davis and the more genial Lillian Gish (93 years-old at the time). The sisters are occasionally visited by an aging, salt-of-the-earth caretaker (Harry Carey Jr.), a neighbour (Ann Sothern), and even romantic Russian immigrant Vincent Price, who is currently down on his luck.

 

Almost the entirety of cinematic history up to its release date is on show here making this small, otherwise not terribly significant 1987 film a must-see. I’m normally of the belief that script is king, and here the screenplay by David Berry (no further or prior film credits) lacks a compelling story and very clearly shows its stage origins. As directed by Lindsay Anderson (“This Sporting Life”, “If…”), I really shouldn’t like this film, if you’ve read my criticisms before about ‘stagey’ films. Not a lot happens here. And yet, 100+ years of cinematic history is right there before your eyes. It’s a rare case of being captivated enough by the actors and their characters that even with a simplistic story you’re never bored. I have to recommend the film because these stars touched my heart and soul, yet I also have to acknowledge that many of you who don’t have a connection with this vintage of cinema will have a different and likely lesser experience watching it.

 

Silent era star Lillian Gish (in her final film) and the inimitable Bette Davis make for a terrific, contrasting pair. It’s interesting that Gish (who may as well be said to have invented cinematic acting) does a lot more talking here of the two and seems in better health than her younger co-star, whilst Davis’ best moments (in fact, the best moments in the film) are actually silent bits of acting. She is profoundly moving with just a singular look or glance. Although Ann Sothern richly deserved her Oscar nomination here clearly having fun in her final film, I think it’s borderline criminal that Gish, Davis, Vincent Price, and Harry Carey Jr. went without Academy recognition here. The entire ensemble of veteran actors is excellent, Davis in particular could’ve rightly felt snubbed if you ask me. Veteran villain Price got to show off his versatility here in a genteel role as a romantic immigrant, and his moments with Sothern are particularly wonderful. Harry Carey Jr.’s fun little part is the icing on the cake here.  

 

There’s not a lot here, and yet for those of us who appreciate our cinematic history from the silent era onwards, there’s kind of a whole lot here. It’s a bit like my favourite film “The Misfits” in that regard where it has magic in its very casting, though that film’s script is also very fine. Outside of that, it’s a nice time spent in nice company. It’s a rare film that I feel like I should recommend in spite of whether it’s terribly good or not, simply because of what it represents historically. It’s a moment in time never again captured on film.

 

Rating: B-

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