Phantom of the Open

As Superheroes like Batman, Superman and Spiderman abound on the big screen it is great to watch a real antihero hit our screens. Judging from the main character's aptitude for hitting things he might just break the screen with his golf swing. I refer of course to Maurice Flitcroft who became infamous after hitting a score of 121 in the qualifying competition for the 1976 Open Championship—the worst highest score recorded at the time. A self-professed "professional golfer". Subsequently, the media soon dubbed him "the world's worst golfer. This comedy-drama is based on the book The Phantom of the Open Scott Murray and adapted into a screenplay by Simon Farnaby and directed by Craig Roberts. With screenwriter and producer Farnaby having been behind many other feel-good funny films like Mindhorn, Paddington 2 and the historically hilarious Monty Pythonesque film Bill you can be sure when it comes to lining up a silly scenario and laugh out loud moments Farnaby and his cast make it a hole in one for me. This film once again reunites him to his Paddington star Sally Hawkins who gives a typically brilliant performance as wife Jean Flitcroft. Not only as a writer but comedy actor Simon not unlike Alfred Hitchcock has a habit of putting in cameo appearances and proves scene-stealing in his cameo as French golfer Laurent. The art direction and costumes all add the authenticity and atmosphere is 1970’s Britain and the sporting scene. Interwoven into the narrative of the film it is fabulous to see footage of the real life players and commentary we also get to learn that amazingly Flitcroft played in the same tournament in 1976 as Seve Ballesteros. When people say a film is based on a true story, we wonder just how much is true so it is fabulous to see real life footage of the irrepressible Maurice Flitcroft in some of the situations and scenes that are depicted on screen at the end of the film as the credits roll. Having previously caught a glimpse of the trailer and seen that not only was the superb Sally Hawkins attached but also the always brilliant, Rhys Ifans, I felt I was going to be in for a treat. Mark Rylance as Maurice Flitcroft is perhaps best known by many as actor and one time artistic director of the Globe Theatre, as well as appearing as the lead in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed film Bridge of Spies as well as giving his spellbinding performance as Thomas Cromwell on the small screen in Wolf Hall. So perhaps not someone you would go to first is thinking of casting Flitcroft the crane driver from Barrow in Furness. Rylance’s character may not be ready for the masters but as an actor he is masterly at playing down the comedy and in doing so delivers a great many laughs. To use a golfing pun it has to be said Rylance pitches his performance perfectly. His talent for comedy is both a revelation and a delight. “Practice is the road to perfection” is a much-used phrase by Maurice who no one can say isn’t a trier. After inadvertently treading on the remote control, Maurice’s mind is blow and from then on, he believes, despite having never playing golf in his life he can enter the British Open. Being set in the 70’s Maurice’s dream sequences are somewhat fantastical and the film has a feel of whimsy with the films music reminding me of Michael Giannici’s score for the animation UP. It is truly heartwarming, feel good and funny and has real pathos throughout. With the help of his mate, Cliff and some hooky gear, he attempts to blag his way into golf club membership. When dismissed out of hand he haunts the courses at night to hilarious consequences. After Flitcroft ticks the box on his application stating him as self- professed professional we feel sure he’ll never get away with it yet as they say fact is stranger than fiction and due to Rhys Ifans character not questioning his efficient secretary, Flitcroft perhaps incredulously finds himself in the open championship qualifier. After getting the highest score in history, Flitcroft gains notoriety for all the wrong reasons and is very much not accepted by the establishment. Rather like the Scarlet Pimpernell, they seek him here they seek him there but that illusive Maurice Flitcroft determined to defy the authorities disguises himself in order to compete which lead to a series of laugh out loud scenes. Flitcroft as Gerard Hoppy the mysterious French entrant is just a joy to behold and almost convinces the crowds if it wasn’t for caddy Cliff and his Merci Beau coup’s rhetoric coming across with a distinctly familiar northern accent. A high speedy buggy chase and 70s clothing and mores means this film is funny and camp at times yet also very moving and full of pathos. It seems everyone lovers a winner and as Maurice looks to have hit rock bottom, his dream is a distant memory until a fateful letter confirms even a so-called loser can inspire winners and Maurice gets his last shot at stardom. It really does warm the heart and confirms the films tag line “Because every dreamer deserves a shot. Like golfers of the highest level, this film delivers a stroke of genius