Directed By: Jason Reitman
Written By: Diablo Cody
Cinematography By: Eric Steelberg
Editor: Dana E. Glauberman
Cast: Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, Patton Oswalt, Elizabeth Reaser, Collette Wolfe, Jill Eikenberry, Mary Beth Hurt, Kate Nowlin, Hetienne Park, Emily Meade
Mavis Gary, once the high school 'It Girl', now an alcoholic divorcée who writes a soon to be canceled young adult fiction series, makes the decision to return to her childhood home in Minnesota. There she embarks on a plan to win back her former sweetheart, Buddy. The fact that Buddy is now married with a baby doesn't dissuade her. Along the way, she forms a bond with Matt Freehauf, another former classmate, who has been left disabled by a beating he took from a bunch of jocks.
The film shows a growth and new direction in. The writing of Diablo Cody. The film isn't liked with site so many quirky characters. It is more down trodden and tragic, by at least feels more realistic.
The film offers a character study. Where much of the film is more based on characters actions, decisions and mood. More than snappy dialogue.
Though this film is upsetting for general audiences. I think the film is very brave and subversive in it's own way that the cast and crew should be applauded. And this is the type of film you rarely see get a major studio release and around the holidays.
Charlize Theron was robbed of an Oscar nomination as she is fearless in playing a depraved and unlikeable character who never begs, pleads or asks for forgiveness as she never sees her motives as wrong. She is spot on in the film and in her career this performance is second only to the one in MONSTER though that one was based on a real person. Here she has a chance to create her own original one. Though throughout the film she gives off clues and examples of her suffering and self abuse. For a great beauty and talent. She seems to enjoy playing unlikeable characters. Which he seems to excel at. It takes the audience off guard and away from expectations. She really has built a diverse career. I really wish she had played in the film BAD TEACHER instead of Cameron Diaz. In fact her character shares traits with that one only more in a drama then a comedy and not as extreme.
Her character has a certain air if thinking. She is better then everyone. When actually worse then them. That is fueled by a steady stream of reality television, that makes her feel like she is special and that the world revolves around her as she is the only important person everyone is just around to serve her. We get glimpses into her past and why she might be the ways she is.
Patton Oswalt gives a good performance. That is very understated And truly shows what he is capable of while still being in the comfort zone of characters he usually plays. He stretches a bit more to truly showcase his strengths.
The beauty of the film is that everything seems so basic and normal never calling attention to itself as it has the small qualities that shape it and tweak the story away from Average with little Details and subtleties that take the film away from what you think will happen throwing you off through most of it and when it feels like you have had enough it can't resist pulling the rug from under you just one more time
The film has a bunch of cringe inducing scenes that give the film a certain courage. It revels in the ugly moments of life. That at times you find yourself identifying with. You are taken on this emotional and delusional journey. Where we are forced to witness the embarassing fall out as she spirals out of control.
Nothing is sensationalized, everything happens and is presented matter of factly. Where the main point seems to be everyone avoids the truth and only rarely will admit to it and what is happening.
The weakness of the film is that some characters feel unrealistic. They are too mice and forgiving or never react to things said or in one scene at the baby's birthday party, when one of the characters is speaking to her. It feels too clinical and too much like THE STEPFORD WIVES. Not organic, nor does it seem like something a real person would say to a character. I understand this is a film, but at that point as it has been firing so truthfully it is jarring all of a sudden to feel something be a bit artificial. Now while I can believe them to be sympathetic to a degree and recognize something pathological in her. I would believe they would be more inclined I get her professional help then just understand put up with her and try to kill her with kindness.
The character is not a big success or celebrity more of a success to a degree in the field she dreamed of building a career in and fits in to a certain standard with her former life.
The film is dating with it's cynicism. It seems to have an anger to it, but at who? The alcoholic writer who mouth be pathetic, but at least she is not stuck in a small two. And not noteworthy. Though she is stuck in Her life and mind. Is it mad at the world for being so challenging and cruel? Is it a rant or commentary. By the end it feels like catharsis.
Buddy played by Patrick Wilson is a interesting character, but he is simple minded which seems to be part of his charm and not realizing when Charlize is hitting on him, He keeps going overboard in his politeness though it's hard to believe he is that naive.
The film seems simple but is fascinating to me. Somehow It makes me wonder if this is a bit autobiographical as he film feels that deep.
Jason Reitman is not a flashy director, but he knows how to pick material and set up and maintain a tone that is darkly dramatic though allows itself to humor. He is usually subversive that is actually edgy if you look at his films close enough, bit appears run of the mill.
I enjoyed that the film is ambivalent and offers no exact explanations ether. It seems like it will be a feel good story, but is more a feel bad story. That dares you to judge it while being true to itself.
Grade: A
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