Film Overview"The Hippopotamus", a 2017 British film directed by John Jencks, is based on Stephen Fry's novel of the very same name. The film stars Roger Allam as the eccentric poet, Ted Wallace, alongside Fiona Shaw and Matthew Modine. The film is a mix of mystery, drama, and dark humor, embeded in the scenic English countryside.
Main PlotThe movie starts with Ted Wallace, a failed poet turned cynical theatre critic, losing his task due to his excessive drinking routines. He is then invited by his goddaughter Jane Swann (Emily Berrington) to invest some so-called miracles that are apparently happening at Swafford Hall, a nation manor owned by his estranged old buddy, Michael Logan (Matthew Modine). Fighting with cash and with a goal to benefit out of this examination, Wallace heads to Swafford Hall just to find the Logan family steeped in eccentricity and odd behavior.
Wallace's investigation exposes that the expected miracles are linked to David Logan (Tommy Knight), the youngest son of the household. Wallace finds that David has a propensity for treating people's disorders in odd methods. People believe his powers to be magnificent, something Wallace, as a rational guy, is initially hesitant about.
The CharactersRoger Allam's brilliant portrayal of Ted Wallace is the highlight of the movie. He brings life to his character of a bad-tempered, washed-up poet with his clever, cynical commentary. Fiona Shaw, as the estate's matriarch, adds to the eccentricity of the Logan household, while Matthew Modine's portrayal of Michael Logan adds subtlety to the movie's narrative. Tommy Knight impresses audiences as the young and innocent "miracle" performing David, whereas Emily Berrington's Jane Swann functions as a bridge in between the world of Wallace and the Logan family.
Resolution and ReceptionToward completion, Wallace reveals the truth about David's incredible powers-- that they are, in truth, an outcome of medical phenomenon instead of divine intervention. Unimpressed by the discovery, the followers preserve their belief in the wonders, while Ted, the skeptic, ends up being the only one who thinks in them.
The Hippopotamus provides an insightful expedition of the clash between faith and reasonable thought. It promotes the idea that a person's viewpoint shapes their reality. The movie got combined evaluations from critics, praising Allam's performance and the dark humor however slamming the periodic loss of coherence in the narrative. Lots of likewise praised its adherence to Stephen Fry's special storytelling style.
Last ThoughtsIn general, "The Hippopotamus" is an interesting, rather wacky movie that looks into the exploration of human belief systems, faith, and the power of perception. The film mixes secret with comedy and drama, covering it up with a special storyline and outstanding performances, particularly by Roger Allam, making it deserving of a watch.
Top Cast
