DVD Review: Maudie

Maudie
(DVD Maudie)

Pristine characterizations and stellar performances by Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke and the other cast members distinguish this 2016 movie, based on the life of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis. If I had know quite how loosely based it was on actual circumstances before watching it, I might not have been as moved as I was. Nonetheless, it is an evocative, touching, infuriating, redeeming story of a small woman with a magical talent for art and a mighty will to persevere. I wasn’t aware of Maud until watching this, so for that alone, I’m glad. Born with some deformities, Maud also developed rheumatoid arthritis but had been taught piano and painting by her mother when she was a girl. After her parents’ deaths, her older brother cut her off completely. In an effort to support herself she answered an ad for a housekeeper posted by a local fishmonger. In short order she moved into his tiny house and they were married. Her physical ailments prevented her from being very effective at cleaning but she soon began painting flowers, birds, and other decorations on the inside and outside of the house. This developed into a cottage industry of producing postcards and paintings on various types of boards and selling them to neighbors and passers-by for nominal sums. Her work is distinctive for its bright colors and cheery and nostalgic themes, primarily with a backdrop of her Nova Scotia environs. Maud remained humble and shy but sweet and optimistic even though she and Everett barely subsisted while she lived. Sadly, her husband was even more of a cad than he is portrayed in the film. Gladly, however, their little painted house was preserved and installed at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax.

( Internet Movie Database entry for this film ) | ( official Maudie Facebook page ) | ( Canadian Encyclopedia Entry on Maud Lewis )

Recommended by Becky W.C.
Walt Branch Library

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