Regardless of its subject matter, calling a film Genius is, naturally, a risky move; that said, while the film fails to live up to its namesake, it’s a starry, solid account of a literary icon and the man who brought him to the world.

Even if he captures some of Thomas Wolfe’s famed eccentricity, Jude Law’s bombastic performance sometimes jars beside Firth’s restraint. Guy Pearce stands out in support as F. Scott Fitzgerald, but ultimately Genius is let down by its pedestrian approach to a biopic that only hints at far more complex emotions that are not brought to light.

Dependable, yes; genius, not so much. Even with its terrific cast this sturdy biopic is far from that which its name suggests.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Colin Firth, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Laura Linney, Guy Pearce

DIRECTOR: Michael Grandage

WRITER: John Logan

SYNOPSIS: The story of the relationship between Thomas Wolfe and his editor Max Perkins. 

 

Genius was reviewed as part of One Room With A View’s coverage of the 66th Berlinale Film Festival, which runs 11-21 February 2016.