The Lady in the Van begins with a confession: the film is “a (mostly) true story.” This opening line effectively apologizes for the film’s subjectivity while also making room for a touch of the fantastical. It’s all a bit meta—the movie, written by Alan Bennett, is based on his play of the same name about Bennett’s experience writing a play on his real life encounters with Mary Shepard (Maggie Smith), an old woman who lived in a van in his driveway for 15 years. In terms of overall quality and details, the film is a success, but the pacing often lagged, leaving me with a mixed impression.
Despite its title, the film is lacking in narrative drive, which can make for a restless viewing experience. However, skillful character development makes up for the simplicity of the plot. The film is a slow-simmering mystery: we gradually gain insights into the past of Mary Shepard, the Lady in the Van. Only at the end of the film do her strange behaviors begin to make sense. Veteran actress Maggie Smith has mastered the rude but endearing old-lady persona, so it comes as no surprise that she executes the role of Mary Shepard seamlessly. The character of Alan Bennett adds another layer of complexity to the film. The uncomfortable self-reflection of the writer on his role in shaping the telling of a story and portrayal of Shepard, is manifest throughout The Lady in the Van. In addition to the moral dilemma of the writer, The Lady in the Van also subtly addresses deeper societal issues such as homelessness, treatment of the elderly, and social obligation. These issues are left unresolved, as they are defined in relation to the development of the characters, but their treatment is effectively thought-provoking.
As actors, Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings play very well off of one another. From early on, it is clear that the two characters have a special, unspoken connection. Although a majority of their interactions throughout the film consist of argumentative banter, which quickly becomes tiresome, occasional moments of tenderness—in one scene, for instance, Ms. Shepard laughs with glee as Mr. Bennett pushes her down a hill in a wheelchair—leave the viewer feeling warm and happy.
For all its strengths, The Lady in the Van is not a film for escapists. If you seek to be swept away by a suspenseful and heart-pounding storyline, you won’t be satisfied with this movie. Since the film relies so heavily on small details in the skillful acting and subtle character development, if you don’t fully invest yourself from the beginning, the 104 minutes can feel like a drag. However, if you let yourself appreciate the film’s nuances and peculiarities, you will leave The Lady in the Van feeling charmed.
See this film and others at Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas New Haven, 86 Temple St. Call (203) 498-2500 or visit www.BowTieCinemas.com