It has been reported that `Little Voice' was originally a play written for Jane Horrocks, an incredibly talented mimic. If this is true, then the playwright did Ms. Horrocks no justice. For he made Ms. Horrocks a supporting player in her own showcase, even giving the best roles to Brenda Blethyn (Mari) and Michael Caine (Ray). Blethyn is terrific as the refreshingly crass and slutty Mari, Little Voice's mother. Caine is equally good as the charming, but desperately sleazy Ray, a talent agent. Horrocks performs her mimicry for about eight minutes of a 97minute movie. The rest is populated with predictable `cymbal-ridden' story (You know that one; the producer tells the writer he wants lots of `symbols'. The writer thinks he meant `cymbals' and keeps CRASHING them together.). BOTH Horrocks and the audience would have been better served had she taken her one woman show on the road and spent the time entertaining with her amazing impersonations, which include Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Gracie Fields, Marlene Dietrich and Billie Holliday.
By all means, watch `Little Voice' for ALL the fine performances, including Ewan McGregor (Billy), Philip Jackson (George) and Jim Broadbent (Mr. Boo) Just try not to despair too much about what MIGHT have been. Also, if you live anywhere but the UK, make sure to turn on the `Close Captioning'.
By all means, watch `Little Voice' for ALL the fine performances, including Ewan McGregor (Billy), Philip Jackson (George) and Jim Broadbent (Mr. Boo) Just try not to despair too much about what MIGHT have been. Also, if you live anywhere but the UK, make sure to turn on the `Close Captioning'.