Hattie

Hattie is a dramatic, poignant, and fleshed-out biographical film that was first broadcast by the BBC in January 2011. It primarily revolves around the life of the famed British comic actress Hattie Jacques, known for her plummy voice and hefty physique that made her a central figure of British comedy throughout the 1960s and 70s. Starring Ruth Jones in the title role, this film is a well-crafted exploration of Hattie's secret and complex love life, all while juggling her wildly successful career.

Jones' portrayal of Hattie is sublime, with the Welsh actress brilliantly capturing the charm and nuance of the legendary actress who rose to fame in the 'Carry On' films. She embodies Hattie's character expertly, focusing not only on her on-screen comedic persona but also on the off-screen life that was far different from her comedic characters—underlining the struggles of a woman caught in a storm of romance, fame, and expectations.

Beyond Jones, Robert Bathurst plays John Le Mesurier, the widely celebrated British TV actor and Hattie's husband. Bathurst brings in a convincing portrayal of a loving yet detached husband who found himself unwittingly part of an unconventional love triangle. Together, Jones and Bathurst create a compelling narrative based on the unusual dynamics and circumstances of their relationship.

A key figure in this surprising arrangement is a younger, attractive man named John Schofield, played by Aidan Turner. Hattie's relationship with Schofield, a used car salesperson turned actor who later became her live-in lover, forms a significant subplot to this biopic. Turner breathes life into this complex character, portraying him as a charming yet manipulative man who exploited Hattie's vulnerabilities for his gains. Their relationship suggests a woman grappling with her insecurities and yearning for a passion that her husband couldn't give her.

Hattie weaves a complex narrative on Jacques' private life, her husband's acquiescence to her affair, and her struggles with her lover who exploited her for personal gain. Yet the film never becomes judgmental or lurid, unfolding these multiple threads with sensitivity and subtlety, carefully juxtaposed with Hattie's illustrious public life. Despite her successful professional career, Hattie yearned for love and validation, a theme that the film skillfully encapsulates.

Director Brian Percival and screenwriter Stephen Russell do an admirable job presenting the rise and fall in Hattie's personal life, capturing the tension between Le Mesurier's passive reactions and Schofield's manipulative demeanor. This narrative beautifully balances moments of humor and tragedy while maintaining a humanistic approach that paints Hattie as an empathetic, resolute, and warm-hearted woman.

The film also pays due attention to Hattie's professional life. Many of the scenes wonderfully recreate her most well-remembered moments on screen, thereby honoring her legacy as one of the most loved comic actresses of Britain. The costumes, makeup, sets, and dialogue wonderfully capture the tone and style of the era, lending an air of authentic nostalgia to the film.

Ultimately, Hattie is a tribute to a beloved actress, recognising her immense talent and understanding her as a woman wrapped in her insecurities, passions, and dreams. Despite the many struggles she faced, Hattie Jacques remained a trailblazer for many female comedians to come. Ruth Jones’s standout performance, bolstered by the strong performances of Robert Bathurst and Aidan Turner and the clever direction of Brian Percival, brings this engaging tale to life in a way that is deeply affecting and respectfully pays homage to the late actress.

Whether a fan of Hattie Jacques or not, Hattie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates well-crafted biographies. It’s a striking demonstration of the personal battles faced by those in the limelight, and it will leave viewers moved, entertained, and probably yearning to see the original 'Carry On' films once more.