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Notes:
The story follows an aging but on-the-prowl widow who never shuts
up and her reticent, reclusive daughter who barely speaks at all.
This unusual young woman is hiding an incredible secret gift.
Little Voice may not speak, but she does sing, uncannily capturing
the legendary inflections- and personas.
Musical Comedy - Little Voice is a comedy-drama in the tradition of films like
The Full Monty, with lower class characters striving humorously
for success and fame. Fans of that film may enjoy the setting and the
good-natured tone. Fans of the performers mimicked by the lead actress,
including Judy Garland, Billie Holliday and Marily Monroe, may also
enjoy the musical numbers and impressive impressions. In general, a
work for fans of performance pieces. The story, however, is somewhat
predictable, and the ending extremely abrupt. Satisfying for much of
its running time, but may seem disappointing by the conclusion.
PROFANITY: Fairly frequent and strong. SEX/NUDITY: Brief bare breasts; sexual references and innuendo VIOLENCE: Slaps and punches thrown DRUGS/ALCOHOL: Frequent alcohol consumption, including drunken behavior ACTION: One scene of a fire COMEDY: Exaggerated behavior of eccentric characters
Little Voice is an admittedly formulaic little trifle. What makes it consistently engaging is its lead trio of characters. Caine and especially Blethyn are a hoot, exuding the
right mix of sleaze, sexuality, selfishness, and even sympathy.
But the star of the film is indeed Horrocks, recreating
her acclaimed stage role. She is quite simply remarkable, equally
convincing speaking in a mousy murmur and belting "Big Spender" with the full-throttle lungs of a true diva. Quiet or loud, hers is the voice that clearly rings throughout--and should be heard among the nominees on Oscar night.
Jane Horrocks stars as the mysterious LV, who lives in the dark
attic of an unkempt house on a dead-end street in a seaside town
of Northern England. Ever since her father's death, LV has been
silent, spending her days listening to his incredible, classic
record collection and living in the enchanted charm of his favorite
singers and performers. Meanwhile, her motor-mouthed mother Mari
(Blethyn) - all brass and no class - is living it up, continuing
on a boozy cruise for exciting lovers.
Then a new man struts into Man's life: Ray Say (Caine), a sleazy
and spectacularly unsuccessful local talent agent who Mari thinks
of as "Elvis Breath" and her best chance yet for "loving."
Meanwhile, LV has a revelatory run-in of her own with a man almost
as shy as she is - a telephone repair-man named Bill (McGregor)
who isn't much for vocal communication. It is the first time anyone,
other than her father, has paid attention to her.
But just as things are opening up for Little Voice, Ray Say hears
the magical strains of Judy Garland coming from her room - and
realizes that's no ghost, it's Little Voice. Stunned by her talent,
he smells the big time. Dreams and desperation collide as he and
Man stake everything on making the terrified and resistant Little
Voice into a star.
At last, Little Voice agrees to go public with her amazing impersonations,
but just once...
