Woman in Gold

Directed by Simon Curtis and starring Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl, and Katie Holmes.

Woman In Gold (2015) is based on the true story of Maria Altmaan (Helen Mirren) and her epic legal battle against the Austrian Government to reclaim Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting of her Aunt, ‘Portrait of Adele Bloch- Baurer 1’. It was stolen from Maria’s family when the Nazis invaded Vienna in 1941.

Now living in Los Angeles, an elderly Maria enlists the help of struggling young lawyer Randy Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds). The film is richly cultured and follows their 7-year legal battle, beginning in Austria and ending in the US Supreme Court.

The cinematography in Maria’s flashback scenes breathes life into the narrative. Transporting the viewer into 1930s Vienna, Maria’s memories of her Aristocratic family and the vibrant Viennese streets are brought to life on screen.

The film’s greatest triumph, however, is Helen Mirren filling Maria’s shoes. Even in aging make up, she is luminous on screen. She truly embodies Maria, adopting a clipped Old World accent and exuding an air of cultural refinement. Her steely determination for justice is the driving force that propels the narrative forward. Her quips of wit and humour will draw up the corners of your lips and bring moments of lightness to an otherwise serious film. Despite the obstacles put in her path, Maria is fierce in her resolve. She invites you to stand alongside her as she fights for the last remaining piece of the identity that was taken from her. 

Available as a DVD from Dunedin Public Libraries - check it out in our catalogue.

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