The Phantom of the Open: Film Review
I wasn’t a fan of Craig Roberts‘ previous directorial effort, Eternal Beauty, so I wasn’t initially sold on The Phantom of the Open but after its positive reception at the London Film Festival, I had to check it out and I’m glad I did.
The biographical comedy-drama tells the true story of Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), a wannabe golfer who competed in the 1976 British Open as a self-proclaimed professional, and stunned onlookers by playing the worst round in the championship’s history. He became a media sensation, dubbed “the world’s worst golfer”, but he didn’t let the ridicule stop him from trying again – and again.
The Phantom of the Open is one of those classic British underdog stories that put a smile on your face and cheer you right up. It’s a delightful film that champions not giving up because, as Flitcroft puts it, “practice is the road to perfection”. No matter how much embarrassment he caused his family and his workplace, he kept persevering; confident that he would be better next time.
Rylance is so endearing as the forever optimistic Flitcroft; you just can’t help but warm to him. He could have played the character like a comedy fool but he gives a straight, earnest performance and the laughs come more organically that way. The film is hilarious, with both Rylance and Christian and Jonah Lees as his disco-dancing twin sons Gene and James providing most of the laugh-out-loud moments.
Sally Hawkins, who reunites with Roberts again after Eternal Beauty, is wonderful as Flitcroft’s sensitive and supportive wife Jean. Jake Davies brings the conflict as his stepson and boss Michael, who is humiliated by his stepfather’s newfound fame, and Rhys Ifans is another antagonist as the head of the Open, who doesn’t want Flitcroft ruining its reputation.
The Phantom of the Open, which can easily be compared to the brilliant Eddie the Eagle, is a charming, lovely film that I highly recommend.
In cinemas now