This film, stated to be based on the true story of the 'Hampstead Hermit' Harry Hallowes, tells the tale of a alternative lifestyler who builds himself a 'residence' in an isolated corner of Hampstead Heath, where he lives largely undisturbed for many years. Brendon Gleeson is brilliant as the irascible hermit, complete with quirky observations on life and the modern world.
Widowed American Emily spies him when looking out her attic window with binoculars, and invests reasons to meet him, and the rom com dimension stems from that. I'm not quite so sure about Diane Keeton's success in her role, but her gentle reserve mostly rings true, as do the fragile relationships with her conflicted 'friends'. Most of the smaller parts are forgettable one dimensional caricatures of various typical British types.
The film looks and feels the part, as I'm sure those who have had the pleasure of spending some time on Hampstead Heath will agree. Some aspects of the plot have some substance, some have that odd ring where truth seems stranger than fiction, but overall it's a bit predictable and lightweight.
It's a pleasant, gentle and undemanding film that probably justifies a couple of hours of your time.
Widowed American Emily spies him when looking out her attic window with binoculars, and invests reasons to meet him, and the rom com dimension stems from that. I'm not quite so sure about Diane Keeton's success in her role, but her gentle reserve mostly rings true, as do the fragile relationships with her conflicted 'friends'. Most of the smaller parts are forgettable one dimensional caricatures of various typical British types.
The film looks and feels the part, as I'm sure those who have had the pleasure of spending some time on Hampstead Heath will agree. Some aspects of the plot have some substance, some have that odd ring where truth seems stranger than fiction, but overall it's a bit predictable and lightweight.
It's a pleasant, gentle and undemanding film that probably justifies a couple of hours of your time.