I will never understand Hollywood's recent obsession with casting every movie as a hyphen-comedy. I suppose it must be out of fear that the public won't accept a pure drama or romance, or whatever, and so they must be lured in by a trailer sprinkled with funny lines.
The Savages is a perfect example. It was billed as a dark comedy, but it is anything but. Does it have some rare moments of humor? Sure, because it's realistic and in life all but the very worst moments can feature a smidgen of laughter. But a comedy by any definition? Not at all.
The movie tells the tale of a brother and sister who assume guardianship of their estranged father, now suffering from dementia and a fatal illness. The brother, played by Phillip Seymour-Hoffman, is unable to commit to a woman he loves and is professionally stagnant, while the sister, ably played by Laura Linney, has no career and is sleeping with a married man. Together they must navigate the hurdles of caring for their Dad while adjusting to the abrupt re-introduction of family into their lives.
It is a grim movie in many ways, but solid and true to the path these characters would take in real life. Hoffman is just superb, a true craftsman, and it was a joy to watch him at work.
If there were any flaws, I'd have to say the subplot with the married man was a little too obvious an ode to the damage caused by her parent's violent marriage and subsequent abandonment.. But that, in all honesty, is 1/100th of the movie and barely worth a whisper of complaint.
3.5 stars out of 4, 80 out of 100
Sounds pretty good. Philip Seymour Hoffman just keeps getting better and better.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Perfect timing. Netflex will deliver that one to me today. I will let you know what I think of it. It sounds like a movie I will enjoy, but like you, I was expecting a comedy. Hugs, Joyce
ReplyDeleteFor about five years now I have been adding PSF as "if he is in the movie (netflix) I'm renting it.". He had me in Scent of a Woman and hit a home run in Almost famous. I need to start doing movie reviews. (too)
ReplyDeleteJust catching up on posts. I like both of them. I remember something similar called Hanging Up with Walter Matthau, Meg Ryan, Diane Keating & Daryl Hannah I think. Maybe not as serious. I do like PSH also! And you know what...I think he also is quite attractive...then again I think Kevin James from Hitch & King of Queens is sexy & adorable too...I like that combo! Ha! I think they just may be redefining what is attractive in a man. I'll have to look for this movie! Maybe they will have it on HBO soon?
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