'The Electrical Life of Louis Wain' is a Biopic for Cat Lovers and Artists
'The Electrical Life of Louis Wain' stands heads and shoulders above the usual biopic, thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch's performance and a rather whimsical take on its source material.
By Collier CJ Jennings, TIFF 2021
Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain is a biopic film directed by Will Sharpe and starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular artist, an eccentric man who has a talent for illustrating animals - especially cats. The film spans the 1800s to the 1900s, including how Wain’s illustrations changed the general perception of cats in London society and his relationship with governess Emily Richardson (Claire Foy), which causes much consternation in his family due to their social standing and Emily’s age.
One of Louis Wain's illustrations of anthropomorphized cats.
This marks Cumberbatch’s second TIFF feature following The Power of the Dog [which premieres at the Playhouse beginning Nov 26] and both films showcase the immense range of his talent. While The Power of the Dog features Cumberbatch as a cruel ranch owner and leans into its gritty Western trappings, Electrical Life is more of a whimsical take on the biopic film. Cumberbatch leans into that whimsy, painting Wain as a rather charming yet socially awkward man who excels when sketching animals but less so with talking to other people. He is often shown hunched over a sketchpad or avoiding eye contact, but when he meets Emily, that changes; he seems more at ease and willing to open up.
Scenes from 'The Electrical Life of Louis Wain'
Sharpe and cinematographer Erik Wilson film the majority of the film in a hazy, dreamlike state, only shifting to darkly lit scenes to represent the “downs” in Wain’s life. Perhaps the most visually striking sequence comes at a point where Wain begins to hallucinate that his drawings have come to life. Wain’s love of cats and his theory that they harness a form of electricity feels like an integral part of Electrical Life and not too in your face.
Electrical Life also boasts a supporting cast that plays off Cumberbatch perfectly. Foy and Cumberbatch’s scenes are fueled by heartwarming chemistry, while Andrea Riseborough and Toby Jones fill the straight-man roles as Wain’s beleaguered sister and boss at The Illustrated London News. Sharpe also peppers the cast with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameos, including Nick Cave (as H.G. Wells), Sophia Di Martino and Taika Waititi. Olivia Colman serves as the film’s narrator, adding to the whimsical element as she recounts events both triumphant and tragic in Wain’s life.
Scene from 'The Electrical Life of Louis Wain.'
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain stands heads and shoulders above the usual biopic, thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance and a rather whimsical take on its source material. This film pushes the boundaries of its genre and results in a richer experience for it. Whether you’re a fan of Cumberbatch’s work, an aspiring artist, or you’re really into cats, this is a film I recommend for everyone.
Watch the official trailer: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
Printer-friendly version
