Watch Maxwell

Maxwell is a 2007 British biographical drama film that tells the story of Robert Maxwell, an entrepreneur, media mogul, and Member of Parliament who rose to great heights in the 1980s, only to meet an ignoble end in 1991. The movie opens with Robert Maxwell, played by David Suchet, at the height of his powers, commanding his empire from his London office. From the outset, it is clear that Maxwell is a larger-than-life character, with his booming voice, oversized personality, and a relentless drive to succeed. As Maxwell himself puts it, "I'm the greatest living newspaperman. And by the time I'm finished, no one will ever forget it."

The first part of the movie charts his rise to power in the UK, starting with his purchase of Mirror Group newspapers, which quickly became the largest media group in the country, and ending with his purchase of the New York Daily News, which made him a prominent figure in the media landscape of the United States as well. Through it all, Maxwell's charisma and business acumen are on full display, as he battles rivals, buys up companies, and sets his sights ever higher.

As the movie progresses, we see a darker side to Maxwell's character emerge. His obsession with power and success leads him to take ever-greater risks, both personally and professionally. He becomes increasingly erratic and unstable, prone to fits of rage and extreme behavior. He also becomes embroiled in allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement, which threaten to derail his career and bring him down.

Throughout the film, we are given glimpses into Maxwell's personal life, including his complicated relationships with his family, including his wife Betty, played by Patricia Hodge, his children, and his mistress, who is portrayed by Kahleen Crawford. We see Maxwell's desperation to keep up appearances even as his personal life spiral out of control, and his eventual downfall as the weight of his misdeeds finally catches up with him.

One of the strengths of the film is the excellent cast. David Suchet gives a tour-de-force performance as Maxwell, capturing both his charisma and his menace with equal aplomb. Patricia Hodge is also excellent as Betty Maxwell, giving a nuanced portrayal of a woman who is both loyal to her husband and deeply conflicted about his actions. Ben Caplan, who plays one of Maxwell's employees, also deserves special mention for his strong performance, which captures the tension and distrust that permeates the company in the wake of the fraud allegations.

Overall, Maxwell is a fascinating, if sometimes disturbing, glimpse into the life of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. The film is well-written, well-acted, and offers a balanced perspective on a complex and controversial figure. While it may not be for everyone, those interested in history, business, or psychology will find much to appreciate in this thought-provoking biopic.