Stan & Ollie

Stan & Ollie is an engaging biographical comedy-drama. The 2018 film, directed by Jon S. Baird and written by Jeff Pope, explores the twilight years of the iconic comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Starring Steve Coogan as Stan Laurel and John C. Reilly as Oliver Hardy, it highlights the pair's triumphant moments, as well as the challenges they faced in their personal lives and career.

The narrative primarily revolves around the duo's attempt to rejuvenate their film careers as they embark on a gruelling theatre tour of post-war Britain in the early 1950s. It interestingly exposes the contrast between their on-stage comic persona and the off-stage realities. The tour initially does not draw a large crowd, reflecting their fading stardom, however, as the tour progresses, their exceptional talent and unmatched chemistry start to refuel their popularity once again.

Coogan and Reilly give the performances of their careers, making the characters seem extraordinarily human, yet never letting the audience forget the enormous stardom that these figures once commanded. Coogan’s portrayal of Stan Laurel is deeply moving as he brilliantly captures Laurel’s creative genius, behind-the-scenes labors, as well as the man's deep-seated concerns. He presents a picture of a man bearing the weight of past guilt, current challenges, and future uncertainties.

John C. Reilly, under layers of professional-grade prosthetics to capture Hardy’s facial features and physique, delivers a heartfelt performance of ‘Babe’ Hardy. His depiction is nuanced, with his affable and easy-going on-stage persona clashing with his off-stage health issues and personal disappointments. Despite their legendary status, the duo is portrayed as overwhelmingly human.

As the story unfolds, the unbreakable professional connection and deep personal friendship between Stan and Ollie is portrayed, which allows the audience to delve deeper into their psychology. The duo’s shared history, humor, and heartache keep them together, and the audience is shown their shared ambition, personal vulnerabilities, and artistic dedication.

Other key performances include Shirley Henderson as Lucille Hardy and Nina Arianda as Ida Kitaeva Laurel, the duo's wives. Both present fascinating contrasts and are a comic force in their own right, portraying characteristics of supportiveness, competitiveness, and loyalty. Their presence in the story brings under the spotlight the often overlooked female figures behind their famous husbands.

The film's production and costume designs deserve a special mention too. The sets convincingly portray the look and feel of the post-war era, and the costumes capture the characteristic style of the era and the iconic duo. The direction has traces of the comedy duo’s slapstick humor, and the script is loaded with clever puns and wordplay.

The film presents an intimate and sincere look at fame, partnership, and friendship explored through the relationship between two of the world's most famous comedians. It is not a simple comedic tribute, rather, it explores Laurel & Hardy's endearing relationship amid the cracks and strains of professional and personal hardships.

In summary, Stan & Ollie is a beautiful tribute to one of the greatest comedy duos the world has ever seen, elegantly brought to life by incredible performances from Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly. It is as much a story about comedy as it is about friendship, art, fame, and humanity. It might appeal to fans of the classic comedy duo, but even those unfamiliar with Laurel and Hardy's work will find this tale of enduring friendship and professional persistence engaging and emotionally resonant.