Other meanings of Arthur (radar)
Film
Arthur is a 2011 American romantic comedy film directed by Jason Winer and starring Russell Brand as Arthur Bach, a wealthy, hard-drinking heir who must choose between an arranged marriage and the woman he loves. The film is a remake of the 1981 film of the same name, which starred Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli.
Arthur Bach (Russell Brand) is a wealthy New York City heir who lives a carefree life of drinking and partying, driven around by his loyal nanny, Hobson (Helen Mirren). When his mother (Geraldine James) threatens to cut off his inheritance unless he marries Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner), a socialite he doesn't love, Arthur falls for Naomi Quinn (Greta Gerwig), a working-class tour guide. He must decide whether to follow his heart or his bank account.
The film follows Arthur's attempts to win Naomi while dealing with the pressure from his mother and the scheming of Susan's father (Nick Nolte). A subplot involves Arthur's strained relationship with Hobson, who is diagnosed with cancer, adding a poignant layer to the comedy.
Russell Brand stars as Arthur Bach, a role originally played by Dudley Moore. Helen Mirren plays Hobson, the sharp-tongued nanny, a gender-swapped version of the original character played by John Gielgud. Greta Gerwig plays Naomi, the love interest, and Jennifer Garner plays Susan, the arranged fiancée.
Supporting roles include Geraldine James as Arthur's mother, Nick Nolte as Susan's father, and Luis Guzmán as Bitterman, Arthur's chauffeur. The film also features a cameo by the original Arthur, Dudley Moore, in a photograph, and a voice cameo by the original director, Steve Gordon, in a recording.
Directed by Jason Winer, known for his work on the TV series Modern Family, Arthur was produced by Warner Bros. and Langley Park Productions. The screenplay was written by Peter Baynham, a British comedian and writer, who updated the story for a contemporary audience.
Filming took place in New York City, with locations including the Plaza Hotel and Central Park. The film's budget was approximately $40 million, and it was released on April 8, 2011.
Arthur received generally negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 27% approval rating based on 166 reviews, with an average rating of 4.6/10. The consensus states: "Despite Russell Brand's energetic performance, Arthur is a largely unnecessary remake that lacks the charm and wit of the original." Metacritic gives the film a score of 35 out of 100, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews."
Audience reception was slightly more positive, with a CinemaScore of B+. The film grossed $48.1 million worldwide, which was considered a disappointment given its budget and star power.
One notable aspect is that the film was originally intended to star Will Ferrell, but he dropped out, and Russell Brand was cast. Brand's performance was praised by some critics, with The Guardian noting that he "brings a manic energy" to the role.
The film includes a subtle homage to the original: a scene where Arthur and Hobson watch the 1981 film on TV, with Dudley Moore's voice heard. Additionally, the character of Hobson was originally male, but the gender swap allowed Helen Mirren to deliver a memorable performance that many critics considered the film's highlight.
Another trivia point: the film's release date was moved from March to April to avoid competition with other comedies. The soundtrack features a cover of the song "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross, performed by the band The Airborne Toxic Event.
This article is about the 2011 film. For the original 1981 film, see Arthur (1981 film).
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