THEY say life begins at 40, but for Dustin Hoffman one could make that 70. The award winning actor has waited seven decades to get behind the camera. He’s not the only actor who has ended up behind there: Clint Eastwood is perhaps the most successful of actor turned directors. Others have dabbled occasionally – Jack Nicholson for example - but the pull of the limelight keeps them from staying back too long. Some actors end up being better directors than their on screen persona: most recently Ben Affleck, who looks a shoe-in to be nominated for best director at this year’s Oscars with Argo. Hoffman has had a stellar career, so it remains to be seen whether this is a late foray into a new stage in his creative life or a one off. For his subject he chose to work on an adaption of Ronald Harwood’s play, Quartet.

Wilf (Billy Connolly), Reggie (Tom Courtenay) & Cissy (Pauline Collins) are three residents of Beecham House Retirement Home, which is populated exclusively by retired opera singers and musicians. Their life is one song and dance after another, while at the same time struggling with the inevitable physical and mental decline that old age brings. They are all part of a fundraising concert, to take place on Verdi’s birthday, which will help keep the home going for at least another year. Their lives are interrupted by the arrival of the latest resident, Jean (Maggie Smith), a celebrated former Soprano with a terrifying reputation. To make matters more complicated she used to be married to Reggie but broke his heart. However the prospect of these four being back together and recreating a legendary quartet they once sang, would make all the difference to keeping Beecham House open.

Quartet is a lovingly made and absolutely wonderful film. It is filled with humour, poignancy, sadness and joy. The script is adapted by Harwood himself, and the quality of the writing is reflected in the result. The performances are superb, with the foursome complementing each other, as well as standing out in their own right with Connolly stealing the show from his more distinguished co-stars. There is stirling support from an outrageous elderly cast, led by the irascible Michael Gambon. Hoffman has put together an excellent ensemble production, that really hammers home that just because you may be old, does not stop you being any less human. Touching and highly recommended.

8/10 Andrew Shepherd