‘Little Voice’ is a heart warming musical comedy drama that is a cut above the rest, thanks largely in part to the performances of an exceptional cast.
Jane Horrocks is superb as the title character, reprising a role she had successfully played in the theatre.
After the death of her father Little Voice or LV as she is known, becomes a virtual recluse, never going out and hardly ever saying a word. LV sits in her bedroom listening to her fathers’ collection of old records by Shirley Bassey, Edith Piaf, Marilyn Monroe and various other famous female singers. When night falls though LV sings, imitating these great singers with amazing accuracy.
One night she is overheard by one of her mothers boyfriends, local talent agent, Ray Say (Michael Caine). Say manages to convince LV that she has a special talent and arranges for her to perform at the local night club. She is an instant success but of course things don't exactly go to plan.
Director Mark Herman, who’d had previous success with another feel good British comedy ‘Brassed Off’, makes great use of the drab seaside town locations which contrast strikingly with the glamour of the musical stage scenes.
An excellent supporting cast includes Brenda Blethyn as LVs’ overbearing mother, Jim Broadbent as desperate club owner, Mr Boo and Ewan McGregor as Billy, LVs’ would be boyfriend.
The film belongs to Horrocks and Caine though. Watching it for the first time I honestly thought Horrocks was miming to the songs but she's not. Incredible singing.
Michael Caine gives one of the performances of his career as sleazy talent agent Ray Say. His scenes at the films finale are a tour de force of acting that rank alongside anything he has done before or since for brilliance.
A great British film. When we make a good one we can compete with anything from Hollywood and this is one of the best.