Peter O'Toole plays Maurice an actor in his 70s. He hangs around with his friend Ian (Leslie Phillips) going to the coffee shop and theater and doing small acting jobs. He's divorsed but still on friendly terms with his ex-wife (Vanessa Redgrave). Early on we learn he has prostate problems and requires surgery. Maurice is old and not long for this world and knows it. He's at the point where he has to slap himself to bother getting out of bed in the morning.
Enter Ian's 20 year-old grandniece Jesse (Jodie Whittaker). He's staying with him and driving him crazy. She's a slacker, hoping to get a modelling while sitting at home eating junk food. Maurice is intrigued. What begins isn't so much of a romance as a friendship with (measured) benefits. Maurice spends time with Jessie, buys her things and she lets him touch her neck or kiss her cheek. They are both using each other. Maurice gets some friendship, pleasure and a reason to wake up in the morning. Jessie learns how to properly mix drinks, gets clothes and jewelry, and a few life lessons. But when Ian finds out it he accuses Maurice of taking advantage of her. More opportunity for fun banter.
You probably know where this films goes, and that's ok. Maurice's view is that whatever gives you pleasure is good. The soundtrack by Corinne Bailey Rae perfectly matches this philosophy and the tone of this film. It grabs you immediately, hooks you and is good all the way through. Afterwards you think there was something more to it, but can't put your finger on it, but then you realize that doesn't matter at all, it was pleasurable enough to make you want to wake up in the morning.
There are some holes. Maurice apparently has 3 children (and I would assume grandchildren) which is the usual reason people want to wake up in the morning, but he seems estranged from them but not their mother. Jessie's moods change a little too conveniently (rather than convincingly) for the for plot. Maurice seems to find Jessie a breath of fresh air and a new opportunity and yet his charm and consistent work would seem to present such opportunities to him on a regular basis.
O'Toole's performace is believable enough to overcome these flaws. I wondered if this was autobiographical at all and then realized what a complement this was. If anyone has a chance of beating Forest Whitaker for Best Actor, O'Toole is the one to do it (well I have two more performances to see).
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