Genius: A Whirlwind of Words and Wits

Now, this was something! Genius, directed by Michael Grandage and starring Colin Firth and Jude Law, had me all kinds of tangled up emotionally. It’s about the life of the book editor Maxwell Perkins and his rather colorful relationship with writer Thomas Wolfe. And trust me, Wolfe is nothing short of a verbal storm!

Let me tell you, sitting in the darkened cinema reminded me of that one summer in Stockholm. I was completely obsessed with writing, scribbling away at all hours in my tiny apartment. No Perkins to guide me though. Maybe that’s why my manuscripts still gather dust! Anyway, the film brought back those memories—the passion and chaos that come with creativity.

Jude Law, playing Wolfe, brings an energy that’s kinda infectious, even if at times he seems a touch over the top. But isn’t that Wolfe’s charm? Then there’s Colin Firth as the ever-patient Perkins. That man could probably calm a pack of angry elks with his soft-spoken demeanor. The two bounce off each other really well, though I think Nicole Kidman was somewhat underutilised here. She pops up but you kinda wish she’d have more to do.

If you’re anything like me, you might find the 1930s aesthetic quite appealing, with its hats, typewriters, and smoky offices. But it had me wondering—how did they write anything at all surrounded by clouds of cigarette smoke?

There were moments, however, where the film felt it was trying a bit too hard. Like it had all these big, dramatic moments lined up for us to gulp down. But, then again, isn’t that life sometimes? A mix of drama with a sprinkle of humor.

Would I watch it again? Possibly, if only to see Firth wearing that legendary fedora. Wouldn’t mind nicking that style one day.

Alright, over to you—have you seen it yet?

Check the trailer below