Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool [Blu-ray] [2017]

One of the most overlooked, exquisitely sensitive films of 2017 somehow slipped past all attention to awards. Based on a true story – published by Peter Turner in 1986 – of a late in life affair between screen icon Gloria Grahame and young actor Peter Turner – this film is radiantly beautiful. The screenplay adaptation is by Matt Greenhalgh and the sensitive direction is the work of Paul McGuigan.The story covers the years 1979 – 1981. In 1979 Gloria Grahame (Annette Bening) is in England starring on stage in The Glass Menagerie and flirts with young actor Peter Turner (Jamie Bell), a bisexual young actor who falls under the spell of the femme fatale and despite the significant age difference they fall in love and begin and affair that is real, tender, and meaningful to both. As their mismatched romance waxes and wanes over time, events conspire to keep them in each other's lives even when it proves difficult and demanding. Ultimately, they find that they must each come to terms with whatever fate they face in the future whether they are together or apart. Grahame has breast cancer, a fact she conceals from Peter, and as she becomes close to Peter’s family – mother Bella (Julie Walters), father Joe SR (Kenneth Cranham), and brother Joe Jr. (Stephen Graham) – she reveals her illness. On a trip to Los Angeles Gloria and Peter live together in Gloria’s house trailer by the Pacific ocean, and are visited by Gloria’s mother (Vanessa Redgrave) and sister Joy (Frances Barber) before they return to Peter’s home in Liverpool. Gloria grows weaker and ultimately decides to return to her American physician for chemotherapy, escorted by one of her real sons Tim (Tom Brittney) from one of her four marriages, leaving Peter with love and concern that he care for his own family. The story is an affectionate, moving, and wryly humorous memoir of friendship, love, and stardom.Oscar worthy performances by Bening, Bell, Walters and the entire cast make this film luminous – one that needs to be seen more than once to fully appreciate all the fine qualities – acting, photography, musical score, and direction. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 18

A very interesting portrayal of part of Ms. Graham's life.

Read the book and enjoyed the movie. Just wish more money could have been spent on the production. worth a watch

The only good thing about this film is watching Jamie.

Been a fan of Gloria's for all my life. YOu need to read her biography "Suicide Blonde" This film gives the layman a nice insight to her wacky wonderful world. Acting is great, a must see for all Gloria fans !

Based on their real relationship, this movie about Gloria Grahame and Peter Turner lovingly expresses the many levels of their time together. With a stellar supporting cast to match the flawless and seamless performances of the two leads, one gets the feeling of having shared these pivotal moments in their lives. Bell and Benning seem so true, it is hard to imagine that they are acting....they invite us in to be close witnesses to their very personal story of happiness and pain; they allow us to experience the warmth of the Turner family and their own brief but very touching relationship. Five stars do not do this film justice....how about 10?

Always a favorite, I am Just now catching up with Gloria Graham's movies. Wow, what a screen presence she was. The performances in this film are superb, especially Anette Bening and Jamie Bell. It shows something about GG that I think was hidden from most of her fans: a charming child like very fun side and a strong need for love and affection. She made some unusual choices in her personal and paid with the decline in her career. Fortunately, we still have her films as a great remembrance.

I would watch Annette Benning read the phone book so it's no surprise that I really thought this was a terrific film. Jamie Bell was every bit her match and they were quite convincing as the May-December lovers. The script was excellent, which of course plays a large part in the success of the film. The supporting cast was also very competent. It's a bittersweet story well told.

This unusual and beautiful love story set in Liverpool, London and US is acted superbly throughout and is so believable in every scene. Every actor is superbly cast. I didn't realise until the end that it is based on the true story of a "fading" film star remeniscient of "Sunset Boulevard". I would like to have seen a longer film to include Gloria's history and her battles with her mental health after allegations of scandal. Well worth watching as few films show English culture as it was in the 70/80s in such a believable way. It took me right back there

pas terrible comme film un peu decue par l histoire de GLORIA GRAHAM

The true story of the sad last days and years of American actress Gloria Grahame. Annette Bening gives the performance of a lifetime and Jamie Bell is great as her young lover. He's come a long way from Billy Elliot. This movie is wonderful. A sad ending but up to that point, the true relationship between the two is something to behold. A lot of wonderful scenes I won't describe to spoil alert. I'm so happy I was able to find this gem to add to my collection.

This is based on a true story and having read the book, I’m pleased to say a strong cast really do justice to this strange and poignant tale. Jamie Bell is convincing as a young Liverpudlian actor who becomes emotionally entangled with an Oscar winning Hollywood film star from the 1950s. She’s infatuated with her young lover, but is also vulnerable and ultimately tragic.Julie Walters plays mother with her usual panache and much of the story was clearly filmed in and around Liverpool. Good to see Leanne Best in a small role. No extras of consequence on the dvd, but overall a good film and I enjoyed it.

Very well made and first rate acting. Did not know that is what happened to Gloria Grahame.