The Grand Seduction: A Pleasant Film That Proves Brendan Gleeson Has the Greatest Beard on the Planet

.

The Grand Seduction is a pleasant little remake that doesn’t mind taking its time. It is a word for word remake of the French-Canadian film Seducing Dr. Lewis. There is an earnestness and laid back charm that will remind the viewer of The Full Monty, Waking Ned Devine and Saving Grace. If you want to spend 90 minutes with salty fisherman trying to convince a plastic surgeon to stay in their small city you will love this film.

The Grand Seduction tells the story of a small port city looking to hire a full time doctor so a recycling company will move into their town. The fishing has dried up and the locals have taken to collecting government checks then spending them at the bar. Mayor Murray French (Brendan Gleeson) goes about trying to find a doctor and comes across a drug addled plastic surgeon named Paul (Taylor Kitsch). Paul was busted for cocaine possession and his punishment is to work off a month of community service at the small fishing village.  The guy is used to city life and their is zero allure for him in the town. So, they go about learning cricket, cooking Indian food and listening in on his phone calls in order to make him more comfortable. Things eventually go awry and it all ends in a charming fashion.

The Grand Seduction is an uneven little thing that wears its heart on its sleeve. Everybody is pleasant, problems are solved easily and the scenery is glorious. The entire town may be lying to the doctor but they do so with a good heart. It is all a little odd but you have to appreciate people who learn how to play Cricket in an attempt to find work. Their willingness to take any kind of work is refreshing and the core relationship between Murray and his best friend Simon (Gordon Pinsent) is believable and organic. I love this exchange between them:

Murray French: This is it. I’m leavin’. Will you come visit me in town?

Simon: Nope.

Murray French: Simon…

Simon: I’m afraid of flying.

Murray French: Yeah, well drive down.

Simon: I don’t drive.

The best thing about The Grand Seduction is Brendan Gleeson. The guy can do anything and I would put money on him having the best beard on the planet. If you haven’t watched In Bruges, The Guard or Calvary hunt them out and you will love them. Another nice thing is that Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights, Battleship) finally gets to do something other than brood or yell and you can tell he loves every second of this film. There has to be worse things in the world than filming in beautiful Newfoundland.

The Grand Seduction is a pleasant film about an entire town lying to a plastic surgeon. If you want to watch something breezy and low stakes you will 100% enjoy this little film. Let me know what you think!