MONEY makes the world go around, but it can’t buy you love or a flawless update of the Oscar-winning 1981 comedy starring Dudley Moore as the eponymous billionaire and Sir John Gielgud as his long-suffering, strait-laced butler.
Director Jason Winer and screenwriter Peter Baynham cast Russell Brand as their loveable yet irresponsible man-child.
Unlike his predecessor, Brand doesn’t possess the innate vulnerability or charm which compelled us to care for Arthur as he boozed himself towards oblivion.
Instead, this new version opts for risqué humour and pop culture references.
Crucially, Winer’s film chooses a female nanny to keep Arthur out of trouble, casting Oscar winner Helen Mirren in this pivotal role.
She brings gravitas to the part and nabs many of the best lines. Arthur Bach (Brand) is heir to his family’s vast fortune, presided over by his emotionally cold mother, Vivienne (Geraldine James).
The headline-grabbing antics of her son threaten the public image of Bach Worldwide and Vivienne summons Arthur to her office.
Vivienne informs Arthur that he will marry corporate executive Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner) to ensure she can take charge of the company.
If Arthur refuses, he will be cut off from his inheritance and privileged lifestyle.
Arthur resigns himself to marital hell, only to run into tour guide and aspiring author Naomi (Greta Gerwig).
She has no clue who he is, and he responds warmly to her quirky sense of humour.
Soon after, Arthur tries to persuade his mother he should marry for love, not financial security. “I respect your integrity. You just lost $950m,” threatens Vivienne.
So Arthur goes ahead with the nuptials while secretly seeing Naomi, aided and abetted by his nanny Hobson (Mirren).
Arthur boasts some nice moments, most of them involving Mirren and Brand, whose on-screen rapport sustains interest through the unwieldy 110- minute running time.
Comparisons with the original film are not particularly favourable and, in the current climate of global recession and austerity, it’s hard to care about a man with pockets deeper than his feelings.
