In the 1976 British Open, Maurice Flitcroft, a crane operator turned aspiring golfer, shot the worst qualifying round in the tournament’s history. He would then be dubbed “the worst golfer in the world” as he gained global fame for continually crashing the prestigious event. Based on the biography from Simon Farnaby, The Phantom of the Open tells the hilarious and truly heartwarming story of a kind man brimming with optimism. He’s portrayed with a casual brilliance by the consummate thespian, Mark Rylance. Flitcroft refused to be defined by harsh criticism, mockery, and the scorn of an elitist golf culture. His irrepressible attitude, always supported by his doting wife Jean (Sally Hawkins), will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
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We first meet Maurice Flitcroft (Rylance) sitting for a television interview. He humorously recalls growing up during World War II when dreams of fancy were put on hold. His love for theater and music deemed not practical in difficult times. Maurice would end up operating a crane at the dreary Vickers-Armstrongs shipyard. He takes a liking to a sweet company secretary. Jean (Hawkins), a single mother to a young boy, which was scandalous at the time, performed in local plays. A smitten Maurice proposes marriage. He promises to take care of her and little Michael.
Years later in the early seventies, the Vickers-Armstrongs company decides to cut its work force. Maurice and Jean have twin teenage disco-dancing sons, Gene (Christian Lees) and James (Jonah Lees), along with Michael (Jake Davies) who studied hard, went to college, and became a manager in the shipyard’s office. Michael informs his father that the crane crew will be trimmed. Jean encourages Maurice to find a passion for himself. He had been true to his word. Maurice worked diligently to provide a stable life for her and the children. A new television set with a remote control changes his fate. Maurice is mesmerized watching an unfamiliar sport. He decides to become a professional golfer.
Knockdown Funny Golf Comedy
Maurice’s efforts to learn golf are knockdown funny. Director Craig Roberts (Just Jim, Eternal Beauty), also a successful character actor, takes the time to establish Maurice’s golf ineptitude. He’s absolutely terrible but enjoys playing the game. Maurice’s awful treatment from the local golf clubs is disheartening. He perseveres in practice until a clerical error results in an astounding development. Maurice gets invited to play in the British Open. He quickly arouses the ire of tournament officials but becomes a hero to the common man.
Related: Exclusive: Mark Rylance Reflects on Acting, Choices, and The Phantom of the Open
The Phantom of the Open rests on the mighty shoulders of Rylance. The titan of theater, film, and television gives Maurice a tough backbone with a caring soul. Maurice didn’t like bullies. He believed that an individual should pursue happiness when possible. He was a dreamer to the core. His fantastical character traits lead to a conflict with Michael. He’s embarrassed by his father’s antics. The film’s best dramatic moments have a reckoning between them.
Sally Hawkins’ Performance
Sony
Sally Hawkins amazes as the ultimate partner in life. Jean’s love for Maurice was transcendent. The Phantom of the Open recounts their stalwart marriage with a tender touch. Jean was proud of Maurice’s character. The second act documents their financial hardships. She stands by him through thick and thin. Jean refuses to let anyone, including their children, belittle Maurice or his dream of being a golfer. Rylance and Hawkins are magnificent. His tribute to her in the third act left me in tears.
The Phantom of the Open resounds on many levels. It’s a spirited account of fortitude, family, love, and of course, golf. The film captures the whimsical nature of Maurice Flitcroft. Its imaginative delivery and superb acting are an absolute joy to behold. The Phantom of the Open is a gem that deserves to be seen.
The Phantom of the Open is a production of Ingenious, Water & Power, Baby Cow Films, BBC Film, Cornerstone Films, and BFI. It will be released theatrically in the United States on June 3rd from Sony Pictures Classics.
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