I sadly missed the preview for Cineworld Unlimited Members of The Phantom of the Open, so yesterday I popped to the cinema for the first screening of the day of the film that is based on the true story of Maurice Flitcroft.
We head back to the 1970s and in 1976, Barrow-in-Furness shipyard crane operator Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance) took the “open” in British Open Golf Championship to heart, and gained entry to one of the world’s most respected tournaments, despite never having played a round of the sport in his life.
The Phantom of the Open is beautifully written by Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2), directed by Craig Roberts (Eternal Beauty) and starring Oscar® winner Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies, Dunkirk) as Maurice. I have to admit that not being a big golf fan I had never heard of Maurice Flitcroft and it was the trailer that got me interested in seeing the movie that had a great cast lineup.
The film is certainly one of those that has such a wonderful charm to it right from the start and the portrayal of the characters is wonderfully done, as we discover how Flitcroft (Rylance) met his wife (Sally Hawkins) and the introduction to his family and his passion to take part in the Open.
With the news that Flitcroft and lots of his work colleagues may be made redundant, he looks for another way to support his family, then one night when he is up late he accidentally treads on the TV remote, after flicking through the three TV channels he sees the Open and the spark is lit for him to want to take part in the golfing event.
Flitcroft takes on the challenge to try and take part, trying to join a gold club and taking on the establishment that really doesn’t want him taking part, but he perseveres and becomes the “world’s worst golfer” as he takes on the professionals in the Open.
Sometimes a film comes along that just melts your heart and this is one of those films, The Phantom of the Open is such a charming and delightful film that just gives you that warm fuzzy feeling from start to finish, not only that but also the cast are superb. Mark Rylance is such a joy to watch as Maurice Flitcroft and each moment he is on the screen you can’t help but enjoy every second of his screen time.
Sally Hawkins is brilliant as his wife, Jean, you can really feel the wonderful connection between both Jean and Maurice as her character supports Maurice’s love for playing the Open. Twins Christian and Jonah Lees are superb as the Disco Dancing Fantastic Flitcrofts and they certainly bring some wonderful comedy and great dancing to the film, and yes Gene and James Flitcroft were award-winning Dico Dancers in real life.
Let’s not forget some of the other cast that brings this wonderful movie to life on the big screen, including Rhys Ifans as Keith Mackenzie who really doesn’t want Maurice at any of the golf courses after his terrible performance at the Open. Mark Lewis Jones with some great moments with Rylance as he brings him some rather dodgy gear for his golfing escapades and some funny moments when Flitcroft is in disguise and he keeps slipping up with his name and Jake Davies as Maurice’s “adopted” son Mike.
The Phantom of the Open was a pleasant surprise, it’s a film that I will certainly be going to see again, there are some wonderful comedic moments, the screenplay by Simon Farnaby which is based on the book by Scott Murray is superb, director Craig Roberts has directed a film that has certainly warranted top marks from me and is certainly on one of my favourite films this year.
A wonderfully charming film from start to finish
Movie title: The Phantom of the Open
Movie description: Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.
Date published: March 19, 2022
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 46m
Director(s): Craig Roberts
Actor(s): Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Rhys Ifans
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Summary
Flippin’ heck, The Phantom of the Open is a delightfully charming film that has stellar performances from Mark Rylance and Sally Hawkins.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
