The feature film “The Duke”, in theaters today, tells the true story of Kempton Bunton, an eccentric sixty-something who, in 1961, stole a painting by Goya from the National Gallery in London. Throwback to an improbable incident.
If you’re a fan of improbable news items and the feature films inspired by them, then the comedy-drama The Duke, in theaters today, should be for you. Because this feature film, as funny as it is moving, looks back on a story that we can hardly believe really happened.
The Duke thus tells the incredible adventure of Kempton Bunton, a sixty-year-old retired bus driver (taxi driver in the film) who, in 1961, stole the portrait of the Duke of Wellington painted by Goya from the National Gallery in London. After this massive theft, the Briton sent ransom notes, threatening to return the painting only if the government made television free for the elderly.
Harmless but eccentric retiree, Kempton Bunton, a sort of Robin Hood of modern times, will then find himself with all the British police on their heels. Because imagine: at the time, no one had stolen a single object from the National Gallery since its creation in 1824. And no one has stolen one since this illustrious theft.
It was Christopher Bunton, Kempton’s grandson, who contacted producer Nicky Bentham to share his grandfather’s story with him and to tell him of his wish to bring it to the screen. “Despite the constant failures that life inflicted on him, Kempton was an eternal optimist and activist. Everywhere we need people like him, who always put a spoke in the wheel of the authorities and question everything we orders them to accept”explains the late director Roger Michell, to whom we owe Notting Hill in particular.
“A complex and totally ambivalent character”
“This whole story carries a powerful message beautifully conveyed by the writers”adds Jim Broadbent, who embodies with talent this colorful character who died in 1976. “Kempton had the courage to risk his life for the good of others, because it was in his nature to care for his fellow man. He is a complex character and totally ambivalent. He is honest, but slightly stupid. He has always good intentions but he is also wrong!
Great defender of the most weak and vulnerable, Kempton Bunton, who cared especially about the plight of the elderly, was twice jailed for refusing to pay BBC royalties. And the outcome of his highly publicized trial after he surrendered himself to the authorities? To know it, you will have to go and discover in theaters The Duke, a charming so British fable which it would be a shame to deprive yourself of.