The Grand
The Grand is an ITV television drama series created and written by Russell T Davies and starring Rebecca Callard, Tim Healy, Susan Hampshire, Paul Warriner, and Mark McGann. Following WWI, the Bannerman family re-opens the Grand Hotel after a lengthy closure and a costly re-furbishing. The hotel has been in the family for a long time, and John Bannerman and his wife Sarah desperately want to make a go. Their son Stephen has returned from the wars without any physical harm but still suffers from the mental anguish of seeing so many of his comrades-in-arms falling on the battlefield. When they learn that their accountant has squandered what little money they had left, they must turn to John's brother Marcus, a successful businessman who has eschewed any interest in the hotel over the years but now seems ready to plunge into the business with both feet.
Insights
Plot Summary
A down-on-his-luck gambler, Jack Bruno, takes a job as a chauffeur for a mysterious woman who he suspects is involved in organized crime. As he becomes entangled in her dangerous world, he must confront his own past and make difficult choices to protect himself and those he cares about. The film explores themes of redemption, consequence, and the allure of a life lived on the edge.
Critical Reception
The Grand received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its plot convoluted and its characters underdeveloped. While some praised the performances of the lead actors, particularly Michael Keaton, the film struggled to find a cohesive narrative. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, leading to a limited theatrical run.
What Reviewers Say
- Critics found the film's attempt at a stylish crime drama to be uneven and ultimately unsuccessful.
- Performances were generally seen as a strong point, but couldn't salvage the weak script.
- The narrative was often criticized for being predictable and lacking emotional depth.
Google audience: Audiences seemed divided, with some appreciating the crime thriller elements and performances, while others found the story to be unengaging and the ending unsatisfying.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a more serious crime drama but was re-edited to include more comedic elements, which critics often cited as contributing to its tonal inconsistency.
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