Arthur (2011 film)
Encyclopedia
Arthur is a 2011 comedy film
written by Peter Baynham
and directed by Jason Winer
. It is a remake of the 1981 film written and directed by Steve Gordon
. It stars Russell Brand
in the title role, with Helen Mirren
, Jennifer Garner
, Greta Gerwig
and Nick Nolte
in supporting roles.
) and his chauffeur, Bitterman (Luis Guzman
), dress up in Batman and Robin suits for a formal dinner hosted by Arthur's mother, Vivienne (Geraldine James
). The dinner is intended to announce Arthur as the new chairman of her corporation, Bach Worldwide. Upon driving to the dinner in a Batmobile
, intoxicated and being chased by police, Arthur is arrested and released the next day.
Vivienne and her shrewd assistant Susan (Jennifer Garner
) arrange a plan to have Susan marry Arthur to allow her to be in control of the company, leaving stable leadership. Arthur refuses, but is told that he will be completely cut off from the $950 million inheritance if he does not marry Susan. Arthur reluctantly agrees and asks Susan's father, Burt Johnson (Nick Nolte
), for permission to marry his daughter. Burt agrees after putting Arthur to a table saw and warning him not to embarrass Susan. The next day, Arthur meets Naomi (Greta Gerwig
), an illegal tour guide who Arthur takes an interest in to due to her free-spirited nature. He arranges his wedding while sneaking around on dates with Naomi. Arthur's nanny, Lillian Hobson (Helen Mirren
) – who normally dislikes all of Arthur's choices in women – gets to know and like Naomi. Arthur learns that Naomi would like to have her children's book about the Statue of Liberty
published. Arthur attempts to find employment and other options so that he would be able to keep seeing Naomi and not need the $950 million, but to no avail. Hobson takes Arthur to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, where he complains about it being depressing and making him want to drink, then the proclaims he is going to drink while accidentally bragging about his money, and turns to leave the meeting. Hobson stands up and takes the bullet for Arthur, giving his humiliating introduction in his place. Arthur, touched, states if only she would drink in his place as well, he would be set.
Arthur goes to see Naomi at her house and tells her the truth – that he is engaged to Susan. Naomi then tells him to leave. Back home, Arthur calls for Hobson, only for Bitterman to come and tell him that she is in bed with a headache. Later Hobson goes to Naomi and asks her to give Arthur another chance, but she again falls ill and is taken to a hospital. Naomi calls Arthur to tell him what has happened. He comes to the hospital, meets Naomi and is about to make up with her but Susan arrives and tells Naomi that Arthur bought the publishing company that was working on her book. Upset, Naomi leaves the hospital. Hobson comes home and Arthur decides to be her caregiver, and the two begin to get along better. But a few days later Hobson dies, and Arthur reverts back to alcoholism and partying to numb the pain of losing her, being dumped by Naomi and getting married to Susan.
At his wedding, Arthur gets drunk and finds Hobson's last letter to him which tells him to follow his heart. Arthur decides, during the vows, not to proceed with the marriage. Susan and her father become belligerent and begin punching him, which makes Vivienne realize that Susan is only after her company. She still wants her to be Arthur's wife, so she warns him that if he pursues Naomi, he will still be cut off. Arthur strips nearly naked to be rid of all dependency on his mother's money, and runs to Naomi's apartment, and tells her that he just lost his mum, referring to Hobson. She says she can't replace her. She is still upset with him and turns down his offer of getting back together.
Six months later, Arthur is now sober. He goes to a bookshop to buy Naomi's book – which she has dedicated to him – and sees an advertisement for her book reading at a library. Arthur goes to the library, and this time she takes him back. Arthur gets back his inheritance
because he manages the company's charity. The two leave the library and Bitterman drives them through the city in the Batmobile with the police following in pursuit.
announced they were developing a remake of the 1981 film with Russell Brand
to play the title character. In February 2009 it was announced that Peter Baynham
, the writer of Borat
, was working on a script.
In March 2010 it was announced that Jason Winer
, best known for directing episodes of Modern Family
, was chosen as director, making it his first feature film. Helen Mirren, who had previously worked with Brand in The Tempest (2010), joined the cast in April. Greta Gerwig was cast as Arthur's love interest in May, with Nick Nolte and Jennifer Garner joining the following month.
One scene takes place at Dylan's Candy Bar
, a New York City
candy store founded by New Yorker Dylan Lauren
, the daughter of Ralph Lauren
Also one was filmed in Union Station.
Russell Brand's clothing in the film was inspired by Lapo Elkann
.
It had its UK premiere at the O2
in London on 19 April. At the end of its 28-day release, the film earned $32,854,846 in the United States and $12,700,000 in other markets, for a worldwide total of $45,735,397.
" said the comedy was "crude" and that most of the luxurious wit of the original movie was missing. Jane Crowther of "Total Film
" gave the movie 2 stars out of 5, and said that "charm was in short supply". Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes
gave the movie a score of 26% based on 174 reviews with an average score of 4.4/10.
However, there were some positive reviews of Arthur. Thelma Adams of Us Weekly
called it "a laugh-out-loud romp – and [Russell Brand's] best screen role to date." Cinemablend stated "...despite all the odds against him [Russell Brand's] proved himself as a winning movie presence.." Roger Ebert
gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, stating that the film "is a fairly close remake of the great 1981 Dudley Moore
movie, with pleasures of its own." Richard Roeper
also enjoyed the film, giving it a "B", and although he thought parts of the film were difficult to understand, said, "The new Arthur is a likable comedy with a good heart."
Comedy film
Comedy film is a genre of film in which the main emphasis is on humour. They are designed to elicit laughter from the audience. Comedies are mostly light-hearted dramas and are made to amuse and entertain the audiences...
written by Peter Baynham
Peter Baynham
Peter Baynham is a screenwriter and a British comedian, writer, and performer. He often collaborates with Armando Iannucci and Chris Morris and has worked with Stewart Lee and Richard Herring. He is first heard on Morris' early radio DJ slots, often going out to places...
and directed by Jason Winer
Jason Winer
Jason Winer is an American director, producer, writer, actor and comedian. He is best known for being one of the directors on the award-winning series Modern Family on ABC.Winer was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland...
. It is a remake of the 1981 film written and directed by Steve Gordon
Steve Gordon (director)
Steve Gordon was an American film director who is best known for writing and directing the 1981 comedy Arthur, starring Dudley Moore. Gordon died on November 27, 1982 from a heart attack in New York City, one year after the film came out. He was 44 years old.- External links :* by Ken Levine...
. It stars Russell Brand
Russell Brand
Russell Edward Brand is an English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and radio/television presenter.Brand achieved mainstream fame in the UK in 2004 for his role as host of Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother's Big Mouth. His first major film role was in the 2007 film St Trinians...
in the title role, with Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren
Dame Helen Mirren, DBE is an English actor. She has won an Academy Award for Best Actress, four SAG Awards, four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and two Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Awards.-Early life and family:...
, Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Anne Affleck , better known as Jennifer Garner, is an American actress and film producer. Garner gained recognition on television for her performance as CIA agent Sydney Bristow in the thriller drama series Alias, which aired on ABC for five seasons from 2001 to 2006...
, Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig
Greta Celeste Gerwig is an American actress and filmmaker. Gerwig first came to prominence through her association with the mumblecore film movement...
and Nick Nolte
Nick Nolte
Nicholas King "Nick" Nolte is an American actor whose career has spanned over five decades, peaking in the 1990s when his commercial success made him one of the most popular celebrities of that decade.-Early life:...
in supporting roles.
Plot
Boozy playboy Arthur Bach (Russell BrandRussell Brand
Russell Edward Brand is an English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and radio/television presenter.Brand achieved mainstream fame in the UK in 2004 for his role as host of Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother's Big Mouth. His first major film role was in the 2007 film St Trinians...
) and his chauffeur, Bitterman (Luis Guzman
Luis Guzmán
Luis Guzmán is an actor from Puerto Rico. He is known for his character work. For much of his career, he has played roles largely as sidekicks, thugs, or policemen....
), dress up in Batman and Robin suits for a formal dinner hosted by Arthur's mother, Vivienne (Geraldine James
Geraldine James
Geraldine James, OBE is an English actress.-Early life and family:James was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, to a cardiologist father...
). The dinner is intended to announce Arthur as the new chairman of her corporation, Bach Worldwide. Upon driving to the dinner in a Batmobile
Batmobile
The Batmobile is the automobile of DC Comics superhero Batman. The car has evolved along with the character from comic books to television and films. Kept in the Batcave, which it accesses through a hidden entrance, the Batmobile is a gadget-laden vehicle used by Batman in his crime-fighting...
, intoxicated and being chased by police, Arthur is arrested and released the next day.
Vivienne and her shrewd assistant Susan (Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Anne Affleck , better known as Jennifer Garner, is an American actress and film producer. Garner gained recognition on television for her performance as CIA agent Sydney Bristow in the thriller drama series Alias, which aired on ABC for five seasons from 2001 to 2006...
) arrange a plan to have Susan marry Arthur to allow her to be in control of the company, leaving stable leadership. Arthur refuses, but is told that he will be completely cut off from the $950 million inheritance if he does not marry Susan. Arthur reluctantly agrees and asks Susan's father, Burt Johnson (Nick Nolte
Nick Nolte
Nicholas King "Nick" Nolte is an American actor whose career has spanned over five decades, peaking in the 1990s when his commercial success made him one of the most popular celebrities of that decade.-Early life:...
), for permission to marry his daughter. Burt agrees after putting Arthur to a table saw and warning him not to embarrass Susan. The next day, Arthur meets Naomi (Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig
Greta Celeste Gerwig is an American actress and filmmaker. Gerwig first came to prominence through her association with the mumblecore film movement...
), an illegal tour guide who Arthur takes an interest in to due to her free-spirited nature. He arranges his wedding while sneaking around on dates with Naomi. Arthur's nanny, Lillian Hobson (Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren
Dame Helen Mirren, DBE is an English actor. She has won an Academy Award for Best Actress, four SAG Awards, four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and two Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Awards.-Early life and family:...
) – who normally dislikes all of Arthur's choices in women – gets to know and like Naomi. Arthur learns that Naomi would like to have her children's book about the Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886...
published. Arthur attempts to find employment and other options so that he would be able to keep seeing Naomi and not need the $950 million, but to no avail. Hobson takes Arthur to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, where he complains about it being depressing and making him want to drink, then the proclaims he is going to drink while accidentally bragging about his money, and turns to leave the meeting. Hobson stands up and takes the bullet for Arthur, giving his humiliating introduction in his place. Arthur, touched, states if only she would drink in his place as well, he would be set.
Arthur goes to see Naomi at her house and tells her the truth – that he is engaged to Susan. Naomi then tells him to leave. Back home, Arthur calls for Hobson, only for Bitterman to come and tell him that she is in bed with a headache. Later Hobson goes to Naomi and asks her to give Arthur another chance, but she again falls ill and is taken to a hospital. Naomi calls Arthur to tell him what has happened. He comes to the hospital, meets Naomi and is about to make up with her but Susan arrives and tells Naomi that Arthur bought the publishing company that was working on her book. Upset, Naomi leaves the hospital. Hobson comes home and Arthur decides to be her caregiver, and the two begin to get along better. But a few days later Hobson dies, and Arthur reverts back to alcoholism and partying to numb the pain of losing her, being dumped by Naomi and getting married to Susan.
At his wedding, Arthur gets drunk and finds Hobson's last letter to him which tells him to follow his heart. Arthur decides, during the vows, not to proceed with the marriage. Susan and her father become belligerent and begin punching him, which makes Vivienne realize that Susan is only after her company. She still wants her to be Arthur's wife, so she warns him that if he pursues Naomi, he will still be cut off. Arthur strips nearly naked to be rid of all dependency on his mother's money, and runs to Naomi's apartment, and tells her that he just lost his mum, referring to Hobson. She says she can't replace her. She is still upset with him and turns down his offer of getting back together.
Six months later, Arthur is now sober. He goes to a bookshop to buy Naomi's book – which she has dedicated to him – and sees an advertisement for her book reading at a library. Arthur goes to the library, and this time she takes him back. Arthur gets back his inheritance
Inheritance
Inheritance is the practice of passing on property, titles, debts, rights and obligations upon the death of an individual. It has long played an important role in human societies...
because he manages the company's charity. The two leave the library and Bitterman drives them through the city in the Batmobile with the police following in pursuit.
Cast
- Russell BrandRussell BrandRussell Edward Brand is an English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and radio/television presenter.Brand achieved mainstream fame in the UK in 2004 for his role as host of Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother's Big Mouth. His first major film role was in the 2007 film St Trinians...
as Arthur Bach – a childish playboy who is to marry Susan in order to get his $950 million inheritance but ends up falling in love with Naomi. - Helen MirrenHelen MirrenDame Helen Mirren, DBE is an English actor. She has won an Academy Award for Best Actress, four SAG Awards, four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and two Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Awards.-Early life and family:...
as Lillian Hobson – Arthur's nannyNannyA nanny, childminder or child care provider, is an individual who provides care for one or more children in a family as a service...
who has been looking after Arthur since he was a child due to Vivienne being too busy with the family business. - Jennifer GarnerJennifer GarnerJennifer Anne Affleck , better known as Jennifer Garner, is an American actress and film producer. Garner gained recognition on television for her performance as CIA agent Sydney Bristow in the thriller drama series Alias, which aired on ABC for five seasons from 2001 to 2006...
as Susan Johnson – the deranged woman Arthur is supposed to marry in order to get his inheritance. - Greta GerwigGreta GerwigGreta Celeste Gerwig is an American actress and filmmaker. Gerwig first came to prominence through her association with the mumblecore film movement...
as Naomi Quinn – a free-spirited tour guide and Arthur's real love interest. - Luis GuzmanLuis GuzmánLuis Guzmán is an actor from Puerto Rico. He is known for his character work. For much of his career, he has played roles largely as sidekicks, thugs, or policemen....
as Bitterman – Arthur's chauffeur and best friend. - Nick NolteNick NolteNicholas King "Nick" Nolte is an American actor whose career has spanned over five decades, peaking in the 1990s when his commercial success made him one of the most popular celebrities of that decade.-Early life:...
as Burt Johnson – Susan's father and Arthur's nemesis. - Geraldine JamesGeraldine JamesGeraldine James, OBE is an English actress.-Early life and family:James was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, to a cardiologist father...
as Vivienne Bach – Arthur's mother and the owner of Bach Worldwide who will give her son his inheritance only if he marries Susan. - Evander HolyfieldEvander HolyfieldEvander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"...
as himself - Jennie Eisenhower as Alexis
- Christina Calph as Tiffany
- John HodgmanJohn HodgmanJohn Kellogg Hodgman is an American author, actor, and humorist. In addition to his published written works, such as The Areas of My Expertise, More Information Than You Require, and That Is All, he is known for his personification of a PC in contrast to Justin Long's personification of a Mac in...
as Dylan's Candy BarDylan's Candy BarDylan's Candy Bar is a chain of boutique candy shops and candy supplier currently located in New York City, East Hampton, Roosevelt Field, Orlando and Houston, as well as in wholesale venues around the globe. It is owned by Dylan Lauren, daughter of Ralph Lauren...
Store Manager
Production
In December 2008, Warner Bros.Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., also known as Warner Bros. Pictures or simply Warner Bros. , is an American producer of film and television entertainment.One of the major film studios, it is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank,...
announced they were developing a remake of the 1981 film with Russell Brand
Russell Brand
Russell Edward Brand is an English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and radio/television presenter.Brand achieved mainstream fame in the UK in 2004 for his role as host of Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother's Big Mouth. His first major film role was in the 2007 film St Trinians...
to play the title character. In February 2009 it was announced that Peter Baynham
Peter Baynham
Peter Baynham is a screenwriter and a British comedian, writer, and performer. He often collaborates with Armando Iannucci and Chris Morris and has worked with Stewart Lee and Richard Herring. He is first heard on Morris' early radio DJ slots, often going out to places...
, the writer of Borat
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, often referred to simply as Borat, is a 2006 mockumentary comedy film directed by Larry Charles and distributed by 20th Century Fox...
, was working on a script.
In March 2010 it was announced that Jason Winer
Jason Winer
Jason Winer is an American director, producer, writer, actor and comedian. He is best known for being one of the directors on the award-winning series Modern Family on ABC.Winer was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland...
, best known for directing episodes of Modern Family
Modern Family
Modern Family is an American television comedy series created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, which debuted on ABC on September 23, 2009. Lloyd and Levitan serve as showrunner and executive producers, under their Levitan-Lloyd Productions label...
, was chosen as director, making it his first feature film. Helen Mirren, who had previously worked with Brand in The Tempest (2010), joined the cast in April. Greta Gerwig was cast as Arthur's love interest in May, with Nick Nolte and Jennifer Garner joining the following month.
One scene takes place at Dylan's Candy Bar
Dylan's Candy Bar
Dylan's Candy Bar is a chain of boutique candy shops and candy supplier currently located in New York City, East Hampton, Roosevelt Field, Orlando and Houston, as well as in wholesale venues around the globe. It is owned by Dylan Lauren, daughter of Ralph Lauren...
, a New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
candy store founded by New Yorker Dylan Lauren
Dylan Lauren
Dylan Lauren is the daughter of clothing designer Ralph Lauren, and the owner of Dylan's Candy Bar, the largest candy store in the world, based in New York City.-Life and career:...
, the daughter of Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer and business executive; best known for his Polo Ralph Lauren clothing brand.-Early life:...
Also one was filmed in Union Station.
Russell Brand's clothing in the film was inspired by Lapo Elkann
Lapo Elkann
Lapo Elkann is a New York-born Italian industrialist, former marketing manager. He is currently the manager of brand promotion at Fiat Automobiles. He is a "global ambassador" of the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer....
.
Box Office
Arthur finished third in the U.S. box office following its first week of release with an intake of $12,222,756 from 3,276 screens, opening in third place.It had its UK premiere at the O2
The O2 (London)
The O2, visually typeset in branding as The O2, is a large entertainment district on the Greenwich peninsula in South East London, England, including an indoor arena, a music club, a Cineworld cinema, an exhibition space, piazzas, bars and restaurants...
in London on 19 April. At the end of its 28-day release, the film earned $32,854,846 in the United States and $12,700,000 in other markets, for a worldwide total of $45,735,397.
Reception
The movie received negative reviews. It received a 36 out of 100 rating on metacritic, which gave it the description of 'generally unfavorable'. Kirk Honeycutt of "The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood Reporter
Formerly a daily trade magazine, The Hollywood Reporter re-launched in late 2010 as a unique hybrid publication serving the entertainment industry and a consumer audience...
" said the comedy was "crude" and that most of the luxurious wit of the original movie was missing. Jane Crowther of "Total Film
Total Film
Total Film is a British film magazine published 13 times a year by Future Publishing. The magazine was launched in 1997 and offers film, DVD and Blu-ray news, reviews and features...
" gave the movie 2 stars out of 5, and said that "charm was in short supply". Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
gave the movie a score of 26% based on 174 reviews with an average score of 4.4/10.
However, there were some positive reviews of Arthur. Thelma Adams of Us Weekly
Us Weekly
Us Weekly is a celebrity gossip magazine, founded in 1977 by The New York Times Company, who sold it in 1980. It was acquired by Wenner Media in 1986. The publication covers topics ranging from celebrity relationships to the latest trends in fashion, beauty, and entertainment...
called it "a laugh-out-loud romp – and [Russell Brand's] best screen role to date." Cinemablend stated "...despite all the odds against him [Russell Brand's] proved himself as a winning movie presence.." Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Roger Joseph Ebert is an American film critic and screenwriter. He is the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism.Ebert is known for his film review column and for the television programs Sneak Previews, At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, and Siskel and Ebert and The...
gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, stating that the film "is a fairly close remake of the great 1981 Dudley Moore
Dudley Moore
Dudley Stuart John Moore, CBE was an English actor, comedian, composer and musician.Moore first came to prominence as one of the four writer-performers in the ground-breaking comedy revue Beyond the Fringe in the early 1960s, and then became famous as half of the highly popular television...
movie, with pleasures of its own." Richard Roeper
Richard Roeper
Richard E. Roeper is an American columnist and film critic for The Chicago Sun-Times and now a co-host on The Roe Conn Show on WLS-AM...
also enjoyed the film, giving it a "B", and although he thought parts of the film were difficult to understand, said, "The new Arthur is a likable comedy with a good heart."
Awards and Nominations
- 2011 Teen Choice Awards2011 Teen Choice AwardsThe 2011 Teen Choice Awards hosted by Kaley Cuoco aired live on August 7, 2011 at 8/7c on Fox. This was the first time that the ceremonies were aired live since the 2007 show...
- Choice Movie: Actor Comedy - Russel Brand (nominated)