This is the kind of film that is often underrated because of the type of film it is. It's an artsy film, a cerebral film, one that follows a character as he discovers meaning and evolves as a human being, but it's a realistic evolution, not a fairy tale happily ever after. However, reviewers who find this a dismal or depressing film have completely missed the point. Those familiar with Steppenwolf, the favorite book of the protagonist Jeff, will recognize he is often quoting that book, and will also notice the similarities between Harry's journey and Jeff's. In the end, however, Jeff makes a better choice and thus the film ends on a positive, hopeful note. I will only say, pay attention to the last few lines and the change in Jeff in the final scene compared to the first.
As for other aspects of the film, it is beautifully shot, well paced, and superbly acted, but it is a film one has to pay attention to, or certain subtleties will be missed. For instance, in the first few minutes, it appears Jeff is having a conversation with Adele, but it then becomes apparent that that was all in his head, and she is likely nothing like he was picturing. There are also a number of surreal scenes that I think even David Lynch might envy. Some of these are drug induced, while others are just symbolic. Additionally, the technique of juxtaposition is expertly used to drive home certain themes.
Despite the beauty of the film, it could have fallen short had the acting been subpar. Luckily, this is not the case. Most of the cast does an admirable job, but standouts for me were Bobbi Salvor Muenez, Vincent D'Orofino, Gina Gershon, and Cameron Monaghan. There are no characachers in this film. The actors have created real, believable characters. Bobbi Muenez is almost chilling in her lack of compassion or empathy, and yet, there is a nuance in her portrayal that makes the viewer wonder if there is more to her story. Vincent D'Orofino does an excellent job of creating a character who should be loathsome, but manages to engender sympathy and the hope of redemption. Gina Gershon, as a cheating housewife, also manages to be sympathetic, in part because she doesn't change or evolve. Her life will likely continue as it did before the shooting. There may be a comment in that as, unlike Jeff or the pervert, she was not a direct witness of the events.
However, the shining star of this film is Cameron Monaghan, and that is true of virtually anything he is in, as he is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood today. Here, he is in his element, an intellectually gifted, emotionally complex character. He could so easily have come off as a spoiled, entitled teen spouting the discontent of authors and philosophers with no real understanding of their work. Instead, what we see is a young man who, despite his seeming indifference in his choice to indulge in drug use, has incredible depth and a unique insight. Far from not comprehending his favorite book, he is actually a reflection of it, one following a similar path, but who ultimately develops a greater understanding and exhibits more personal growth than the character he initially resonates with. In addition, he demonstrates a much deeper level of compassion and empathy than any other character. None of this ever feels forced or contrived, a testament to just how brilliant an actor Cameron Monaghan is. Jeff is real, believable, and even likable. In the end, he's the hero, but not in the way one would expect. All in all, an incredible film well worth watching.
As for other aspects of the film, it is beautifully shot, well paced, and superbly acted, but it is a film one has to pay attention to, or certain subtleties will be missed. For instance, in the first few minutes, it appears Jeff is having a conversation with Adele, but it then becomes apparent that that was all in his head, and she is likely nothing like he was picturing. There are also a number of surreal scenes that I think even David Lynch might envy. Some of these are drug induced, while others are just symbolic. Additionally, the technique of juxtaposition is expertly used to drive home certain themes.
Despite the beauty of the film, it could have fallen short had the acting been subpar. Luckily, this is not the case. Most of the cast does an admirable job, but standouts for me were Bobbi Salvor Muenez, Vincent D'Orofino, Gina Gershon, and Cameron Monaghan. There are no characachers in this film. The actors have created real, believable characters. Bobbi Muenez is almost chilling in her lack of compassion or empathy, and yet, there is a nuance in her portrayal that makes the viewer wonder if there is more to her story. Vincent D'Orofino does an excellent job of creating a character who should be loathsome, but manages to engender sympathy and the hope of redemption. Gina Gershon, as a cheating housewife, also manages to be sympathetic, in part because she doesn't change or evolve. Her life will likely continue as it did before the shooting. There may be a comment in that as, unlike Jeff or the pervert, she was not a direct witness of the events.
However, the shining star of this film is Cameron Monaghan, and that is true of virtually anything he is in, as he is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood today. Here, he is in his element, an intellectually gifted, emotionally complex character. He could so easily have come off as a spoiled, entitled teen spouting the discontent of authors and philosophers with no real understanding of their work. Instead, what we see is a young man who, despite his seeming indifference in his choice to indulge in drug use, has incredible depth and a unique insight. Far from not comprehending his favorite book, he is actually a reflection of it, one following a similar path, but who ultimately develops a greater understanding and exhibits more personal growth than the character he initially resonates with. In addition, he demonstrates a much deeper level of compassion and empathy than any other character. None of this ever feels forced or contrived, a testament to just how brilliant an actor Cameron Monaghan is. Jeff is real, believable, and even likable. In the end, he's the hero, but not in the way one would expect. All in all, an incredible film well worth watching.