Image via ITV Studios
Born Archie Leach to a womanising swindler from Bristol, Cary Grant would grow up to be one of Hollywood’s most famous leading men. In a story so sensational writers would have trouble making it up, Archie proves to be an engrossing examination of one man who hid behind many masks. Married and divorced to many women yet devoted and dominated by his mother Elsie (Kara Tointon and Harriet Walter), this ITV biopic also manages to not only shed light on a movie star icon, but give Jason Isaacs a real-life role he simply disappears beneath, making Archie one of the most enlightening examinations of 50s and 60s Hollywood in recent memory, as well giving audiences a rags to riches story that defies description.
Image via ITV Studios
Based in part on the book by Hollywood legend Dyan Cannon, Archie bounces back and forth between 1918, 1961, and 1986. Writer Jeff Pope (Stan & Ollie) is savvy enough to use Calam Lynch, Dainton Anderson, and Oaklee Pendergast to capture Archie Leach at different points on his journey to superstardom before leaving Jason Isaacs to pull off the impossible in those later years. With the help of some subtle prosthetics and subtler vocal work the actor avoids impersonation and manages to give audiences an approximation. In a performance that spans decades and requires no small degree of technical discipline, Isaacs works miracles embodying one of the most recognisable actors in living memory.
Image via ITV Studios
Helping him in this endeavour is the truly remarkable Laura Aikman (Scrapper), who not only bears a striking resemblance to Dyan Cannon, but seems to be doing equally inspired work bringing her to life. With the narrative dexterity of a seasoned writer, Jeff Pope balances key moments in this tragic tale of an actor who sought adulation and validation at every turn, yet never truly found happiness even in the latter years of his life. To call this Britbox production essential viewing fails to go far enough in terms of recommendation, since there are more riches on screen in the performance department than most projects can muster.
Image via ITV Studios
This portrayal of Cary Grant is blessed with so many layers and remains so relatable as a result, that it would be surprising if Jason Isaacs fails to get nominated come the Golden Globes next year. Harriet Walter and Laura Aikman should also be recognised for their contributions here, since their essential support in those crucial roles really maintains the momentum for audiences who thought this was just going to be another bone dry biopic.
Image via ITV Studios
From Bristol to Broadway and then onward to Hollywood, Archie Leach made it his mission to disappear into a sea of female company and movie star status where he would be denied nothing. That he continued to crave attention, lived in fear of being found out, and yet possessed one of the most enduring screen personas ever committed to camera, unintentionally makes him an enigma that remains tentatively out of reach.
Archie is streaming now on ITVX in the UK and Britbox in the US.
