Maggie Smith: A View From The Stalls

by Caroline Fevrier

Dame Maggie Smith stands as a remarkable example of the concomitance – in a performer’s career – of typecasting and characterisation, that is the ability to impersonate ‘against type’ infinitely various screen or stage characters.

This book of appreciation essentially aims at correcting the preconceived image that the general public has of Dame Maggie Smith. Focusing on the last twenty-five years, it examines, through the many parts she has played since the early 1990s, her ability to go beyond typecasting and give, thanks to her chameleon skills, nuanced and convincing portrays of infinitely diverse characters.

From The Importance of Being Earnest to Gosford Park and Becoming Jane , to Downton Abbey and Sister Act , to The Last September and the Harry Potter saga, Dame Maggie Smith has had a wide spanning career in TV and Film. Not to mention her theatrical work on the stage.

Author Caroline Fevrier lives in Paris, France and has a passion for theatre and performing. Caroline holds a PhD in Literature and Humanities and an MA in Literature and Drama. She was also trained as a professional performer and has been involved in several stage productions and short movies. Caroline regularly gives lectures on theatre and performance to academic audiences and had published several books on literature and humanities, and now focuses closely on the performing arts.

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2018

Reviews

[Dominic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Maggie Smith, so bought this on Kindle with high hopes. Misplaced hopes as it turns out. I’m not sure who the author is or who she’s aiming at reader wise, but it can’t be me. The writing style is next to impossible to wade through. It’s like an academic paper in its dryness. Full of references, and odd formatting of names, it’s a chore just to make it through the introduction. Also I don’t get why she only looks at Maggie Smith’s recent career. You’d think she’d done nothing prior to 1991 the way this is written. There’s some excuse about not looking earlier because of the previous biography, but that was a biography!, not a supposed career appreciation as this book has been advertised to be. It’s just odd. I gave it two stars because of the research involved, although I nearly removed one for the awful illustrations, which look zilch like Maggie. It’s clear the author adores Smith, I just don’t think writing was her way to demonstrate it. It’s all a bit laborious and joyless, and very pretentious.

[Lucille Hadden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t waste your money, this is a dreadful book. I didn’t think it was possible to make Maggie Smith sound dull but this book achieved that. It’s also written in the most pretentious way, presumably with a thesaurus close by. Just avoid.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I was a child and I saw 'Hook' at the cinema, I have always been a great admirer of Maggie Smith's work. I have therefore found it disappointing that there is a shortage of books focusing on the career of such a talented actress. After seeing publicity on Twitter advertising a new book about Maggie Smith, I was certainly very excited!

The book immediately caught my attention as in addition to being incredibly well researched, it also contains very humorous and brilliantly drawn caricatures of the actress. Rather than write a biography, the author has produced a fascinating critical study focusing on the last twenty-five years of Maggie Smith's colourful career and her ability to portray a range of memorable and diverse characters on TV, film and theatre.

The book not only discusses Maggie's roles in films such as Sister Act, Gosford Park and Harry Potter, but also looks her work in the theatre since the 1990s.

I would definitely recommend this book to all fans and admirers of Maggie Smith, as it makes for a fascinating read; the drawings are also delightful!

[Sonia Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Maggie Smith's work. It goes well beyond a simple biography and showed in depth research and analysis of some of Maggie Smith's most brilliant moments as a stage and screen actress. I learnt a lot and was fascinated by some of the facts in this book. It is well written and reads easily. The illustrations are adorable and add character to an already well rounded book. I highly recommend it to anyone who is truly interested or even just curious about the actress, as it gives you meaningful insight into the world of a talented and versatile artist.

[Ilona Shrauder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would buy any book on my favorite actress and I liked this one. Unlike the biography already published, it's not about the actress herself, but her roles and the movies and plays she has done since the 90. My only complaint would be that the first part of her career is missing here, but the whole is carefully researched, with many references. Don't buy if you're looking for a biography, but if you are interested in actors and drama, it is a good read.

[Simm Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comprises of character reviews expertly mastered by Dame Maggie Smith. It made myself, an existing Smith fan, aim to watch as many of her movies, series and plays as possible. It was lovely to read an expert professionally dote on one of the greatest actresses of the 20/21st century.

[Annie Leadley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much referring to notes !

P be Maggie Smith she is one of our National Treasures , but did not feel that this book totally did her justice !

[jean sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found there was bit too much about other actresses in the beginning but I’m enjoying it now