Genius

          Behind every great writer is usually a great editor. This new biographical drama is based on the true story of Max Perkins, the editor at Scribner Sons publishing house. Mr. Perkins was the editor for some of the most influential writers of the 20th century including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Wolfe. "Genius" centers on the story of the relationship between Max and Thomas Wolfe.

          The film stars Colin Firth as Max and Jude Law as Thomas Wolfe. Mr. Firth plays Max with calm cool restraint as opposed to the loud, boisterous Mr. Wolfe. Also starring are Laura Linney as Louise Saunders (Mrs. Perkins) and Nicole Kidman as Wolfe's lover, Aline Bernstein. It is a joy to watch these actors inhabit these characters. There is great chemistry between the leads. Guy Pearce co-stars as F. Scott Fitzgerald (appearing in just a few scenes) and Dominic West makes a one scene cameo as Ernest Hemingway. 

          Director Michael Grandage faithfully recreates 1930's New York, despite being filmed in Manchester, England (CGI can be a director's best friend). The film itself, is a low key but interesting period story of a simpler time, when books were still a valuable source of entertainment and knowledge.