Hoffman [DVD]

An odd film with rather distasteful underlying attitudes to sex and relationships. Peter Sellers, as we now know, was a dreadful husband. He moved from one pretty young wife to another, seemingly as trophies befitting his success as an actor, and made their lives a misery by being controlling and coercive. He wanted to be loved and adored but resented any challenges to his opinions or authority, and at times he cruelly disinherited his children for arguing with him. So that's the background to his life, which has curious parallels in this film. He stars him as a middle aged divorced but quite wealthy man, who takes a fancy to a young typist at work and blackmails her to spend a week with him in his house. She is scared that he might intend to rape her, and he deliberately fosters that impression for a while. SPOILER: He is rude, belittling and hates women. But wouldn't you know it, he's actually a poor soul damaged by an unfaithful ex wife and the young typist gradually warms to him. Nowadays you'd call that grooming. There's a scene where she more or less offers herself to him in bed and then takes great offence because he has too much respect for her to take advantage. Young women are vain, it seems, and secretly do look for father figures as husbands.It's billed as a comedy but there's nothing funny about it. I found it a rather dishonest film. There's a ghastly theme song (see headline) which sounds like the dreary lament of an ageing lothario. Perhaps one could compare this film to Georgy Girl, from the same sort of era, which was more fun to watch, had more convincing characters, and showed a woman who was properly empowered in her relationship with a much older man. At the time of writing Hoffman is rather difficult to find on sale and I don't think it has been shown on TV in recent years. I don't think it shows Sellers at his best, which is probably in the film "Being There".

Along with Being There, Dr. Strangelove, a rarity called The Optimists and Lolita, this ranks among Peter Sellers' finest dramatic performances. As the story unfolds, fans who know Sellers only as Inspector Clouseau from the Pink Panther films may wonder, even recoil, at his choice of this role. For, although Benjamin Hoffman is an ostensibly respected, successful businessman, at an emotional and personal level he is a desperate, devious and downright nasty guy who is blackmailing his secretary to spend a week in his bed. He hopes, anyway--and expects, for the purpose of a consummated union. As if the currency of his physical demands could satisfy his emotional bills.Why, indeed, did Peter Sellers want us to care about this apparently despicable fellow? Why, as always, does he use humor to humanize and expose the vulnerability and sensitivity of this otherwise unlikable chap? Why does he want us to look deeper, to understand that beneath Hoffman's embittered surface lie hopes, dreams, a heart that was betrayed?For years, Sellers claimed publicly that his own identity eluded him; that, if asked to play himself, he would not have the first idea how to do so. His choice of the role of Benjamin Hoffman is a resounding testament as close to an admission of self-perception as you're likely to find. I believe that he did recognize his own shortcomings, but he could only admit them to himself from the safe distance of a role.In any case, this is a really beautiful performance from Sellers. How bold it must have been, by late 1960s standards, to portray with such depth the loneliness, desperation, borderline neurosis of a man facing middle age alone. The chemistry between Sellers and Sinead Cusack as the young and reluctant secretary is terrific. And as always, Sellers brings to bear his amazing insight into human frailty to make us laugh, to redeem this tortured soul, Hoffman.If you're looking for a movie with something deeper than the technology-laden plots and superficially written characters we see all too often these days, have a look at this. The ending, albeit dreamily optimistic, is heartwarming and hopeful, and I think you'll find you do care about Hoffman.

Indicator did a fantastic restoration of Alvin Rakoff‘s "Hoffman" and this 52 years old film can now be seen in a flawless presentation on Blu-ray. Both Peter Sellers and Sinead Cusack are outstanding in their roles. I am glad that I have finally discovered this gem I hadn‘t heard of before.

This is one of my favourite films. It is a gem technically and has a haunting late 60s atmosphere. The script, performances, film-making and set design are superb. This is not a comedy but a witty and satirical kitchen sink drama. It has a dry humour but is not for those who only want Peter Sellers the comedian. It is beautifully made, in colour, with a haunting score by Ron Grainer, and it is one of the best British films of the 60s. A charming and magical film.

I watched this without reading what it was about or any of the reviews which mae it all the more enjoyable!

Excellent

Peter Sellers (and supporting cast) in excellent form

Purchased this item to a retired friend of mine, and he felt nostalgic watching it again, remembering old days remembering old days, good memories and good times. Thank you