"In the film, Sara Quinn (Julianne Nicholson) is interviewing men as part of her graduate studies. Her intellectual endeavor has emotional consequences as the men’s twisted and revealing stories are juxtaposed against the backdrop of her own experience. As she begins to listen closely to the men around her, Sara must ultimately reconcile herself to the darkness that lies below the surface of human interactions."
5 Stars
Whoa. I don't even know what to say. It's like . . . I mean it's kind of just . . . I can't even explain it . . . just, whoa. Is this film going to be of a 5 Star caliber for everyone? Absolutely not, but it damn sure is for me. Let's begin with the obvious reasons why this film is cooking with the right ingredients. John Krasinski in his directorial debut has recruited the likes of Ben Shenkman (Angels in America), Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People), Will Arnet (Arrested Development), Will Forte (SNL), Joey Slotnick (Boston Public), Dominic Cooper (Mama Mia), Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU), Clarke Peters (The Wire), Denis O'Hare (True Blood), Fankie Faison (The Wire), Josh Charles (Sports Night), and Bobby Cannavale (Third Watch) into composing a film out of David Foster Wallace's short story collection of the same name. Now, I must begrudgingly admit that I have yet to pick up any of his works and experience them first hand. But, general opinion AND the fact that every few months something happens to serendipitously bring my attention to his writing must mean that he is someone I need to take note of.
The lone significant female role in this film is played by a stunning Julianne Nicholson. I don't mean "stunning" in the beautiful sense (although she is lovely), but rather in the way that she utilizes a relatively small number of lines and is able to still be the dramatic driving force behind the entire film. Now, attempting to mold a series of short stories together into a cohesive manner on screen is definitely a herculean task. And frankly it's a task that, while noble, still falls a little bit short. But man, not by much.
The film almost plays like two distinctly different Acts to me. The First Act is relatively light and seems to take on a similar tone to movies like He's Just Not That Into You and When Harry Met Sally (a personal favorite) in the sense that we are almost given a set of guidelines or insights into the workings of the male mind and its perceptions. Now, I feel like I do need to take this time to warn some ladies out there. Many of the revelations made by men in the film are things that I find to be fairly universal truths when it comes to the male psyche and behavior. However, many of these insights are, unfortunately, things of which I am not necessarily the most proud. Let's suffice to say that after watching the first half of the film, I don't think any of the ladies out there are going to be particularly fond of their male companions. And fellas, as a warning to you as well, you may want to slide over on the couch in order to be just out of arm's reach, because your girl may be overwhelmed with the uncontrollable need to punch you in the shoulder. Obviously, both sides can do as you wish, but you were forewarned. But, as a person who is perpetually interested in further exploring the human condition, I found most of the interviews in the First Act to be insightful and thoroughly entertaining. And, I would suggest that you actually watch the trailer here to get an idea of what you are in store for.
Conversely, the Second Act takes a decidedly heavier and darker tone. It begins, rather abruptly, with an extended scene featuring Frankie Faison as he, almost disdainfully, recounts the job that his father held as a bathroom attendant in a posh hotel. To be honest, I almost feel like the scene doesn't have any business being in this film, and I mean that in a respectful way. This scene is so gripping and powerful, that I almost wish it was a stand alone piece that could be examined and revered for its own brilliance. Plus, with it's glaring racial overtones, I almost found it hard to relate to the fabric of the rest of the film.
We then jump to a scene between Domini Cooper and Julianne Nicholson that is nothing short of superb. The entire scene is actually an inter cutting of three separate conversations between the characters that is paced so brilliantly, I almost found myself moving to the edge of my chair as the tension grew so tight that it became palpable. This scene is the one is most obviously added for relative shock value, but the entertainment factor alone let's us forgive the director for adding something so brash.
The last major scene occurs between John Krasinski and Julianne Nichiolson in which the audience is finally given a clearer view as to what exactly has been going on throughout the film and why the female character has been performing these interviews with "hideous men". John Krasinki actually delivers a powerful monologue that will make you completely forget that the bread and butter of his career has been portraying the affable Jim Halpert on The Office. He recounts a story that, while the "wires" of it may fray at times in the middle, he concludes with such a blindingly poignant moment that I challenge anyone not to sit back in their seat and say, damn.
So, while I can't predict the reception that each individual person may have to the film, all I can say is that this film was one I whole heartily believe is worth watching, and I hope some of you do too.
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