I am a 28 year old male, and this movie touched on a lot of issues I have struggled with in depression, mostly drugs and continuing to be destructive regardless of how much pain it causes. I teared up many times in the movie, Sarah was excellent. If you are looking for a happy movie, this is not it, and if you didn't care about the characters in the movie you obviously have little to no sympathy for people struggling with clinical depression. This was a very realistic observation of how one finds it extremely hard to see through life's struggles, and how some people are just never see the light at the end of the tunnel.
39 Reviews
Silverman delivers in this Diary of a truly mad housewife
bob_meg7 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The biggest hurdle in Suburban Ennui movies is feeling anything for the protagonist's cushy dilemma, and Silverman, as Laney, aces the role almost within the film's first five minutes. Screw the house, the stable husband (Josh Charles) and her comfortable existence. What Laney wants she won't let herself have even though she wants it with a cringing, painful desperation.
Paige Dylan and Amy Koppelman's script, based on Koppelman's novel, is structured in a very effective way, juxtaposing Laney's compulsive, destructive behavior (she drinks, she snorts, she pops pills, she has reckless unprotected sex) with flashbacks that yield more than enough clues to the source of her unhappiness.
It's not an operatic descent into hell, but a realistically quiet one. Silverman expertly masks her self-entrapment with a slick façade of perfection only to let it crumble quickly in bursts of smudgy, nasty rage. It's difficult not to overstate the virtuosity of her acting in that there's so much to it, so much that It tells us that even her character is probably not yet aware of. It's a fascinating performance and her best yet.
Koppelman and Dylan's script doesn't let her or us off the hook --- ever --- and that may be hard for some people to take. This isn't a film with a neat, clean ending, but after you've seen I Smile Back, you'd be hard pressed to imagine one.
Paige Dylan and Amy Koppelman's script, based on Koppelman's novel, is structured in a very effective way, juxtaposing Laney's compulsive, destructive behavior (she drinks, she snorts, she pops pills, she has reckless unprotected sex) with flashbacks that yield more than enough clues to the source of her unhappiness.
It's not an operatic descent into hell, but a realistically quiet one. Silverman expertly masks her self-entrapment with a slick façade of perfection only to let it crumble quickly in bursts of smudgy, nasty rage. It's difficult not to overstate the virtuosity of her acting in that there's so much to it, so much that It tells us that even her character is probably not yet aware of. It's a fascinating performance and her best yet.
Koppelman and Dylan's script doesn't let her or us off the hook --- ever --- and that may be hard for some people to take. This isn't a film with a neat, clean ending, but after you've seen I Smile Back, you'd be hard pressed to imagine one.
TIFF40 2015 Film Review: I Smile Back
lucasnochez3 February 2016
One of the most fascinating and wholly satisfying moments of Hollywood cinema is being present during that moment when a prominent and famous comedy actor transitions from their comfortable, recognizable and iconic genre to that of a raw and unglamorous dramatic role. Luckily for us, such is the case for the quick witted, dirtied tongue comedy actress Sarah Silverman, in her latest film I Smile Back.
Silverman, who completely transforms her usual charm and infamous devilish smile in favour of Laney Brooks, is revelatory as a woman who suffers from a chemical imbalance and deep rooted physiological issues that greatly affect the people she loves most around her.
The self-destructive archetype is not uncommon in the American indie film scene, yet, Silverman brings a new high to a character relishing in the ultimate lows.
Supported by her loving insurance selling husband Bruce Brooks (Josh Charles) and her adorable children Eli (Skylar Gaetner) and Janey (Shayne Coleman), Laney is a ticking time bomb of insecurity, trouble and instability. Regardless of their efforts to induct Laney into rehabilitation for her drug use, her obvious daddy issues and secret double life as a violent, punishment seeking nymphomaniac, Laney tries over and over again to fit in without much success.
I Smile Back, a novel by Amy Koppelman, written for the screen by Koppelman and Paige Dylan, is the ultimate Silverman shedding her comedy skin drama vehicle. Every aspect of the film is held together, driven forward and rewarded by the strong performance of Silverman. Whether she's on the floor tripping out, cutting the crusts off her children's peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or finding solace in a wellness centre, Silverman's role unabashedly demands our attention. Silverman's performance is a big smile and hit in the right direction for a comedy actress no one ever took seriously before.
The film itself, directed by Adam Salky, has its glimmers of interesting commentaries that are mostly left unexplored and empty. The possibility of Laney's medical imbalance being passed on to her eldest son is one of the few directions that the film takes that the audience is surely interested in. Eli, who begins to show very similar character traits, including flinching eyes, and some signs during a piano recital, are thwarted by Laney's passion to failure. Not that we are complaining, but I Smile Back is one example of a film where its runtime could have extended a bit longer to blossom these narrative possibilities.
I Smile Back is a daunting character piece on just how much someone is willing (or able) to screw up every aspect of their lives, despite having the most amazing and supportive people around them. Salky, who balances many engrossing images of filth and despicable behaviour by Laney, does a masterful job of juxtaposing beautiful scenes of family when Laney seems to be rehabilitated, including a fantastic family scene involving a cake and some candles.
While the light reminds on, its dim and dark presence seems to overshadow the film as a whole from beginning to end. I Smile Back is a film that allows audiences to face their own personal terrors and allowing yourself to get what you want from them. The feature is a personal reflection of the things we want to see in ourselves, and the disgusting character traits we can help but ignore.
Lacey's character goes through the crossroads, literally and figuratively, in calmness and in a frenzy. Like a whirlwind, Silverman is a tycoon of raw and fleshy emotion that isn't usually expected for a comedienne's first time dramatic role.
With an impressive supporting cast that includes The Newsroom's Thomas Sadoski, Terry Kinney as a very real and impressive therapist who delivers some of the best and most quote worthy lines of the film, I Smile Back is a film worth smiling for, despite its heavy handed and opaque exterior. Sadly, Charles is highly underutilized as Laney's husband and never given his due time. Instead, Charles is just left giving his best impression of Keanu Reeves and serves as a dull supporting character to the vivaciously catastrophic Laney.
Beauty is a hard theme to find in I Smile Back, yet, as Laney's therapist reassures her in her early stages of her recovery, "Every moment of beauty fades but, there's more and more and more of those moments. You just need to be alive to see them". Dark, depressing and sickened by sadness, I Smile Back may break your heart, but Silverman's performance will have you smiling back from ear to ear in utter satisfaction.
Silverman, who completely transforms her usual charm and infamous devilish smile in favour of Laney Brooks, is revelatory as a woman who suffers from a chemical imbalance and deep rooted physiological issues that greatly affect the people she loves most around her.
The self-destructive archetype is not uncommon in the American indie film scene, yet, Silverman brings a new high to a character relishing in the ultimate lows.
Supported by her loving insurance selling husband Bruce Brooks (Josh Charles) and her adorable children Eli (Skylar Gaetner) and Janey (Shayne Coleman), Laney is a ticking time bomb of insecurity, trouble and instability. Regardless of their efforts to induct Laney into rehabilitation for her drug use, her obvious daddy issues and secret double life as a violent, punishment seeking nymphomaniac, Laney tries over and over again to fit in without much success.
I Smile Back, a novel by Amy Koppelman, written for the screen by Koppelman and Paige Dylan, is the ultimate Silverman shedding her comedy skin drama vehicle. Every aspect of the film is held together, driven forward and rewarded by the strong performance of Silverman. Whether she's on the floor tripping out, cutting the crusts off her children's peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or finding solace in a wellness centre, Silverman's role unabashedly demands our attention. Silverman's performance is a big smile and hit in the right direction for a comedy actress no one ever took seriously before.
The film itself, directed by Adam Salky, has its glimmers of interesting commentaries that are mostly left unexplored and empty. The possibility of Laney's medical imbalance being passed on to her eldest son is one of the few directions that the film takes that the audience is surely interested in. Eli, who begins to show very similar character traits, including flinching eyes, and some signs during a piano recital, are thwarted by Laney's passion to failure. Not that we are complaining, but I Smile Back is one example of a film where its runtime could have extended a bit longer to blossom these narrative possibilities.
I Smile Back is a daunting character piece on just how much someone is willing (or able) to screw up every aspect of their lives, despite having the most amazing and supportive people around them. Salky, who balances many engrossing images of filth and despicable behaviour by Laney, does a masterful job of juxtaposing beautiful scenes of family when Laney seems to be rehabilitated, including a fantastic family scene involving a cake and some candles.
While the light reminds on, its dim and dark presence seems to overshadow the film as a whole from beginning to end. I Smile Back is a film that allows audiences to face their own personal terrors and allowing yourself to get what you want from them. The feature is a personal reflection of the things we want to see in ourselves, and the disgusting character traits we can help but ignore.
Lacey's character goes through the crossroads, literally and figuratively, in calmness and in a frenzy. Like a whirlwind, Silverman is a tycoon of raw and fleshy emotion that isn't usually expected for a comedienne's first time dramatic role.
With an impressive supporting cast that includes The Newsroom's Thomas Sadoski, Terry Kinney as a very real and impressive therapist who delivers some of the best and most quote worthy lines of the film, I Smile Back is a film worth smiling for, despite its heavy handed and opaque exterior. Sadly, Charles is highly underutilized as Laney's husband and never given his due time. Instead, Charles is just left giving his best impression of Keanu Reeves and serves as a dull supporting character to the vivaciously catastrophic Laney.
Beauty is a hard theme to find in I Smile Back, yet, as Laney's therapist reassures her in her early stages of her recovery, "Every moment of beauty fades but, there's more and more and more of those moments. You just need to be alive to see them". Dark, depressing and sickened by sadness, I Smile Back may break your heart, but Silverman's performance will have you smiling back from ear to ear in utter satisfaction.
Sarah joins the club
ferguson-623 October 2015
Greetings again from the darkness. The combination of Sarah Silverman in the lead role and the word "smile" in the title sets the stage for some shell-shocked movie goers who walk into this one expecting the side-splitting laughs this talented comedienne usually delivers. Drama seems an insufficient description for what director Adam Salky serves up, and Ms. Silverman is fully engaged with the bleak tone. It's a Hollywood rite of passage that every comedic actor must go full bore drama before they are taken seriously as an actor. Welcome to the club, Sarah.
The opening sequence plops us right into Laney's (Silverman) depressed state. We soon learn that she is far beyond the stereotypical disillusioned suburban housewife. She lives in a stunning McMansion with her wonderful husband Bruce (Josh Charles) and their cute kids. Unable to find joy in her life, Laney seeks answers in alcohol, pills, cocaine, and by trysting with her friend's husband (Thomas Sadoski). We've seen it all before, but never by through the work of a fearless Sarah Silverman.
It's not that we dislike Laney. It's more that we feel helpless and somewhat disgusted watching her. We have seen the parents who put their career ahead of family, but it's even more painful to watch such self-destructive emotional behavior. And when Laney finds release through her daughter's teddy bear, it pushes us as viewers to accept just how near the edge she teeters.
Laney's vacuous eyes are the obvious sign that she is simply unable to find any joy in the daily routine of family life. It's not surprising when we learn of the childhood baggage she carries, and her attempts to confront the past provides a spark of hope for her recovery as does the rehab stay. However, the script from Paige Dylan (wife of Jakob Dylan) and Amy Koppelman confirms that sometimes there is no redemption. The abrupt ending is both a kick in the gut and relief that our time with Laney is done and also recognition that Sarah Silverman has arrived as a dramatic acting force.
The opening sequence plops us right into Laney's (Silverman) depressed state. We soon learn that she is far beyond the stereotypical disillusioned suburban housewife. She lives in a stunning McMansion with her wonderful husband Bruce (Josh Charles) and their cute kids. Unable to find joy in her life, Laney seeks answers in alcohol, pills, cocaine, and by trysting with her friend's husband (Thomas Sadoski). We've seen it all before, but never by through the work of a fearless Sarah Silverman.
It's not that we dislike Laney. It's more that we feel helpless and somewhat disgusted watching her. We have seen the parents who put their career ahead of family, but it's even more painful to watch such self-destructive emotional behavior. And when Laney finds release through her daughter's teddy bear, it pushes us as viewers to accept just how near the edge she teeters.
Laney's vacuous eyes are the obvious sign that she is simply unable to find any joy in the daily routine of family life. It's not surprising when we learn of the childhood baggage she carries, and her attempts to confront the past provides a spark of hope for her recovery as does the rehab stay. However, the script from Paige Dylan (wife of Jakob Dylan) and Amy Koppelman confirms that sometimes there is no redemption. The abrupt ending is both a kick in the gut and relief that our time with Laney is done and also recognition that Sarah Silverman has arrived as a dramatic acting force.
A performance that Silverman just nails but a movie that tries too hard to push its agenda, without needing to.
cosmo_tiger22 February 2016
"Don't you want to be happy?" Laney Brooks (Silverman) is a mother, wife, and depressed drug addict/alcoholic. She is happy when she is taking care of her kids, but when she is alone she doesn't know how to cope with life and it begins to affect every aspect of her life. She tries rehab and confronting her past in an effort to cure herself. This is not a happy movie, at all. Let me just open with that. Sarah Silverman delivers an Oscar worthy performance and the movie is worth watching just for that. The movie itself though tries to just force its subject down your throat and ends up becoming to "messagey" to have the impact it wants. That is a real problem because if they backed off on trying to show how bad things can get and just relied on Silverman's performance it would have had more of an impact. Overall, a performance that Silverman just nails but a movie that tries too hard to push its agenda, without needing to. I give this a B-.
Prepare To Be Surprised
peferguson27 March 2016
Laney (Sarah Silverman) is part of what appears to be a wonderful family; a doting husband, two lovely kids living in a large, beautiful home. Those thoughts led me to the truth of it all as, Laney traveled into her personal abyss. The surprise is Silverman's performance. Best known for lighter, comedic fare: "Who's The Caboose?", "School of Rock" and "Wreck It Ralph", Silverman delivers an award worthy performance. I was fixated on her talents displayed here. Who knew that a primarily stand-up comedienne, could play such a difficult role so convincingly. Josh Charles and Thomas Sadowski are adequate in their roles, but this is Silverman's movie. Strictly for adult viewing and highly entertaining for those of us who are able to endure a dark drama, I do recommend "I Smile Back".
An incomplete narrative - it goes nowhere
bopdog29 January 2017
I'm a fan if Sarah Silverman. I do see her boldness, and spirit of "going for it" in this performance. However, I am disappointed to say that the movie doesn't go anywhere, or do anything. There isn't really a "story" in the sense of a narrative, with a beginning, middle, and end - even an artsy, unconventional, or avant-garde beginning, middle, and end.
This movie just lays there, static. It's really just a tiny snapshot of a sad and profoundly dysfunctional life, albeit an impactful and striking snapshot. While the dysfunction was portrayed accurately and with some skill, we need more.
It's like showing us a photo of a close-up of some water, and saying "Behold - the mighty Mississippi!" One would need to show more to convey riverness. Or, to expand the corny analogy theme further (sorry), it's like a one-note waltz. That might be a GREAT note! But to be a waltz, you need three notes.
This movie just lays there, static. It's really just a tiny snapshot of a sad and profoundly dysfunctional life, albeit an impactful and striking snapshot. While the dysfunction was portrayed accurately and with some skill, we need more.
It's like showing us a photo of a close-up of some water, and saying "Behold - the mighty Mississippi!" One would need to show more to convey riverness. Or, to expand the corny analogy theme further (sorry), it's like a one-note waltz. That might be a GREAT note! But to be a waltz, you need three notes.
Will hit close to home for a lot of people
BigCinnamon23 February 2016
I came into watching 'I Smile Back' having recently come out of a relationship with a woman suffering from severe depression, both having younger children from previous relationships. I was aware of her depression right from the start and it wasn't an issue as it never manifested, up until the last 5-6 months that is. For the 85 minutes this film played, it was like I was watching my life played out by Josh Charles and my partners by Sarah Silverman. Almost perfectly Adam Salky's adaptation of Amy Koppelman's semi-biographical novel highlights and encapsulates the rigors and devastation depression can have on someone's life and the loved ones around them.
As the film goes on and you are rooting for Silverman's character to get it together, get healthy, and be happy; the most common questions that keep reoccurring (as in my own experience) are how much is depression to blame for the erratic behavior, the self-destruction, the poor life choices, the hurting of others? Where does the depression end and the person begin? What should be forgiven and what cannot be? Coming from a position of clear bias and sympathy for the husband, I 100% related to being in that position that he is doing everything he can to help her, he clearly loves her and wants his family to be happy together. Often, love and good intentions are not enough in these scenarios, and decisions need to be made about whether to keep fighting in the hope things get better or to let it go so it doesn't destroy everyone. 'I Smile Back' really balances these questions so there's no clear right answers.
I was a little wary initially of Sarah Silverman being in the title role. Even with her previous serious roles I still felt that in your face, over-the-top personality wanting to burst out. Not in this. She nails it, and really makes you feel every emotional high and low. Unlucky not to be recognized by the Academy this year.
My only criticism is something which I rarely ever say about movies, is that I wish it was longer. I think the affect and anxiety that his mother's depression had on the eldest boy needed to be explored even more. We only get a very surface level of symptoms and afflictions of the child, and it would have been fascinating to get more on what affect it was having in his and his sister's life. I would have also liked a little more of a POV perspective of the husband and how he handled everything.
Overall, a very realistic and relatable projection of a debilitating and devastating condition.
As the film goes on and you are rooting for Silverman's character to get it together, get healthy, and be happy; the most common questions that keep reoccurring (as in my own experience) are how much is depression to blame for the erratic behavior, the self-destruction, the poor life choices, the hurting of others? Where does the depression end and the person begin? What should be forgiven and what cannot be? Coming from a position of clear bias and sympathy for the husband, I 100% related to being in that position that he is doing everything he can to help her, he clearly loves her and wants his family to be happy together. Often, love and good intentions are not enough in these scenarios, and decisions need to be made about whether to keep fighting in the hope things get better or to let it go so it doesn't destroy everyone. 'I Smile Back' really balances these questions so there's no clear right answers.
I was a little wary initially of Sarah Silverman being in the title role. Even with her previous serious roles I still felt that in your face, over-the-top personality wanting to burst out. Not in this. She nails it, and really makes you feel every emotional high and low. Unlucky not to be recognized by the Academy this year.
My only criticism is something which I rarely ever say about movies, is that I wish it was longer. I think the affect and anxiety that his mother's depression had on the eldest boy needed to be explored even more. We only get a very surface level of symptoms and afflictions of the child, and it would have been fascinating to get more on what affect it was having in his and his sister's life. I would have also liked a little more of a POV perspective of the husband and how he handled everything.
Overall, a very realistic and relatable projection of a debilitating and devastating condition.
Well Acted but Not My Cup of Tea
JPMDatIMDB1 November 2015
Very hard to watch, like Silver Linings Playbook but with less mania and fewer extremes. This is actually a plus, compared to SLP: her weaknesses lurk deeper beneath a surface of normalcy.
Excellent performances will appeal to an audience of actors while a relationship-laden story line will appeal to an audience of script writers.
Normally I am drawn to character studies as I have a strong appreciation for films that leave you caring about the characters and what happens to them. Somehow though, this time I find I can't recommend this film to my non-actor/non-scriptwriter friends. Maybe it rang so true, so plausible, so "normal," that the discomfort of watching these lives unfold outweighed the excellent performances of the players.
Excellent performances will appeal to an audience of actors while a relationship-laden story line will appeal to an audience of script writers.
Normally I am drawn to character studies as I have a strong appreciation for films that leave you caring about the characters and what happens to them. Somehow though, this time I find I can't recommend this film to my non-actor/non-scriptwriter friends. Maybe it rang so true, so plausible, so "normal," that the discomfort of watching these lives unfold outweighed the excellent performances of the players.
It's Painful To Watch. Definitely Not Everyone's Cup Of Tea
jegd-847-6314076 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I think it might be too easy to throw a bad review at this film; The unknown director, unknown author and lead role played by someone more recognizable for her comedic value than her ability to act - The story itself would be pressed to find an audience to relate with it and the somber tone leaves an impression of negativity that most people don't want in their lives.
The film has been jokingly titled "White People Problems" by the internet for focusing on the oh-so-perfect suburbia world. A world without actual problems like having a roof over your head, feeding your children, education, jobs, transportation or many of the other realities just within the United States.
Hollywood loves downward spiral films that punch holes in the fabricated perfection of suburban families. In following this cliché they ignore the issues of drug addiction & mental health issues in low-income families. What I call "the real world" of dealing with the same issues, but without the benefit of wealth. One topic in 'I Smile Back' concerned health care and there are powerful stories out there with real people not having the support of family or getting the help they need. In most cases for low-income families they either get misdiagnosed through several doctors or completely written off as drug seekers.
Some wondered out-loud why Bruce would even marry such a full-blown narcissist as Laney. While others assumed that Laney "went crazy". Which is another misunderstanding about mental illness: People don't suddenly "go crazy" one day. Outside of environmental issues, there's a world of people born with severe illnesses that listen to their own family complain why they don't simply "get over it".
Mental illness is not easy to understand, nor explain. I lived in the shoes of the character Bruce Brooks (Josh Charles) for 2 decades with my own Laney. I can't explain the behavior outside of an easy label. Love & acceptance is the best way to co-exist in such a relationship; Trying to rationalize the poor choices of a bipolar/manic-depressant personality can make you feel like your losing your mind.
I noticed the poor communication between Laney & her husband, they were distant. Bruce sought to be oblivious to the bad things Laney did. I'd happen to guess Bruce was trying to maintain his own sense of normality and/or status among his peers by ignoring everything. You can see it in his face as he dropped Laney off at the rehab; He's the type that would see the problem and respond, "Why can't you just get over this?"
A lot of the explanations for Laney Brooks can be found in the diagnosis of her son Eli, played wonderfully by Skylar Gaertner. Specifically those nervous ticks found in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder created in-part to make one feel in control of the world around them. I found myself gritting my teeth when Eli's teacher Mr Odesky (Clark Jackson) suggested medication for Eli's anxiety. It bothered me more that Laney seemed accepting of the idea.
It was a painful film to watch for me. It made me angry at times, the plot devices frustrated me. I wished the film had Laney's father, Roger (Chris Sarandon) have more in common with Bruce Brooks than Laney Brooks. Not to make lite of the kind of garbage that abandons his own children, but to grant the self-absorbed Laney some form of wake up call.
All in all 'I Smile Back' is a movie that was given a lot of heart. I can appreciate that. I can also appreciate Sarah Silverman's performance in playing Laney and the direction of her character was observably interesting. I found myself still calling her Sarah throughout the movie and wonder how effective this story would have been with some unknown actors. It's an okay film. Maybe something to watch if your studying or are interested in mental disorders. Personally, I don't think I could watch it again because it stirs up some painful memories.
The film has been jokingly titled "White People Problems" by the internet for focusing on the oh-so-perfect suburbia world. A world without actual problems like having a roof over your head, feeding your children, education, jobs, transportation or many of the other realities just within the United States.
Hollywood loves downward spiral films that punch holes in the fabricated perfection of suburban families. In following this cliché they ignore the issues of drug addiction & mental health issues in low-income families. What I call "the real world" of dealing with the same issues, but without the benefit of wealth. One topic in 'I Smile Back' concerned health care and there are powerful stories out there with real people not having the support of family or getting the help they need. In most cases for low-income families they either get misdiagnosed through several doctors or completely written off as drug seekers.
Some wondered out-loud why Bruce would even marry such a full-blown narcissist as Laney. While others assumed that Laney "went crazy". Which is another misunderstanding about mental illness: People don't suddenly "go crazy" one day. Outside of environmental issues, there's a world of people born with severe illnesses that listen to their own family complain why they don't simply "get over it".
Mental illness is not easy to understand, nor explain. I lived in the shoes of the character Bruce Brooks (Josh Charles) for 2 decades with my own Laney. I can't explain the behavior outside of an easy label. Love & acceptance is the best way to co-exist in such a relationship; Trying to rationalize the poor choices of a bipolar/manic-depressant personality can make you feel like your losing your mind.
I noticed the poor communication between Laney & her husband, they were distant. Bruce sought to be oblivious to the bad things Laney did. I'd happen to guess Bruce was trying to maintain his own sense of normality and/or status among his peers by ignoring everything. You can see it in his face as he dropped Laney off at the rehab; He's the type that would see the problem and respond, "Why can't you just get over this?"
A lot of the explanations for Laney Brooks can be found in the diagnosis of her son Eli, played wonderfully by Skylar Gaertner. Specifically those nervous ticks found in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder created in-part to make one feel in control of the world around them. I found myself gritting my teeth when Eli's teacher Mr Odesky (Clark Jackson) suggested medication for Eli's anxiety. It bothered me more that Laney seemed accepting of the idea.
It was a painful film to watch for me. It made me angry at times, the plot devices frustrated me. I wished the film had Laney's father, Roger (Chris Sarandon) have more in common with Bruce Brooks than Laney Brooks. Not to make lite of the kind of garbage that abandons his own children, but to grant the self-absorbed Laney some form of wake up call.
All in all 'I Smile Back' is a movie that was given a lot of heart. I can appreciate that. I can also appreciate Sarah Silverman's performance in playing Laney and the direction of her character was observably interesting. I found myself still calling her Sarah throughout the movie and wonder how effective this story would have been with some unknown actors. It's an okay film. Maybe something to watch if your studying or are interested in mental disorders. Personally, I don't think I could watch it again because it stirs up some painful memories.
A look into a dark mental labyrinth
cekadah12 November 2015
First I must state my perception, my image, my imagination of Sarah Silverman is permanently altered! Thanks a lot Sarah! From a wickedly funny actress to depressingly serious actress - all at once! Sarah Silverman gives a performance in 'I Smile Back' that will both confuse and unsettle her fans.
Thanks to Sarah Silverman and fellow cast members Director: Adam Salky and writer: Paige Dylan have successfully brought to the screen a story that is a look into the dark mental labyrinth of an upper middle class housewife and her marriage to a successful man that has placed great value on image. There is no real beginning and no defined end to this story. The doors are suddenly open to this family and we are given a slice of their life and then the door is shut. We the viewer will never know when Laney Brooks mental decay starts nor when or if it ever stops. We see her as she is at this moment in her life.
Laney Brooks (Sarah Silverman) wife of Bruce Brooks (Josh Charles) live a most above average life with two very young delightful children. All seems provided for - beautiful home, beautiful parents, a very high end school for the charming and talented children. BUT as the saying goes 'still waters run deep' and all is not what it seems to be in this idyllic setting. Laney suffers an unaddressed need in her mind that she and we cannot comprehend. There is a pivotal scene where Laney tells her husband that she has some things, dark things, to tell him. He in-turn doesn't want to hear this and surrounds himself with the children eating cake and cookies. He only wants the that which is sweet and nice. As seen in Laney's expression this is yet another hurtle she cannot cross.
Sarah Silverman offers a very mysterious and dark performance in this depressing story.
Thanks to Sarah Silverman and fellow cast members Director: Adam Salky and writer: Paige Dylan have successfully brought to the screen a story that is a look into the dark mental labyrinth of an upper middle class housewife and her marriage to a successful man that has placed great value on image. There is no real beginning and no defined end to this story. The doors are suddenly open to this family and we are given a slice of their life and then the door is shut. We the viewer will never know when Laney Brooks mental decay starts nor when or if it ever stops. We see her as she is at this moment in her life.
Laney Brooks (Sarah Silverman) wife of Bruce Brooks (Josh Charles) live a most above average life with two very young delightful children. All seems provided for - beautiful home, beautiful parents, a very high end school for the charming and talented children. BUT as the saying goes 'still waters run deep' and all is not what it seems to be in this idyllic setting. Laney suffers an unaddressed need in her mind that she and we cannot comprehend. There is a pivotal scene where Laney tells her husband that she has some things, dark things, to tell him. He in-turn doesn't want to hear this and surrounds himself with the children eating cake and cookies. He only wants the that which is sweet and nice. As seen in Laney's expression this is yet another hurtle she cannot cross.
Sarah Silverman offers a very mysterious and dark performance in this depressing story.
Rise and Shine, Silverman!
farrinda31 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Every morning Laney Brooks' husband, Bruce, wakes her by saying "Rise and shine, beautiful." When the day before has been uneventful he says "Rise and shine, beautiful." When the night before has been a self-defeating, downward spiral into drug addiction he says "Rise and shine, beautiful." The day after she has violent, adulterous sex with her friend's husband he says "Rise and shine, beautiful." This repetitive, cyclical nature of depression and addiction is at the heart of the new movie I Smile Back, starring Sarah Silverman as Laney, a woman who can't seem to break out of her suburban malaise and fears of failure as a wife and mother. Whatever its faults, I Smile Back is worthy of note for giving Silverman a vehicle to stretch her talents toward the dramatic in a career changing performance that makes me say "Rise and shine, Silverman!"...
Check out the full review on David 'n the Dark! https://davidnthedark.wordpress.com/2015/10/31/rise-and-shine- silverman/
Check out the full review on David 'n the Dark! https://davidnthedark.wordpress.com/2015/10/31/rise-and-shine- silverman/
Unwatchable
luke-a-mcgowan15 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I Smile Back sits firmly within the territory of "unwatchable" films.
Lacking any sense of purpose, I Smile Back lost me about two minutes into the film. Director Adam Salky and editor Tamara Meem have no idea how to construct a film, because I Smile Back has no central story whatsoever. It is just an arrangement of scenes that all involve Sarah Silverman's characters being put through the ringer. It is aided in being the worst film of the year by Paige Dylan and Amy Koppelman's turd of a screenplay, which averages one good line of dialogue per writer. All through this turd's 88 minute run time I was looking at my watch, pleading for the agony to end. Who'd have thought that there was fat in an 88 minute movie, but there are lots of scenes where Laney just walks around on drugs looking vacantly at things.
The film only exists to create indie Oscar-bait for comedy actress Silverman. It has every scene that Oscar-baiting tripe has for lead actress pushes. Scene where the female protagonist stares at her naked body in the mirror? Check. Generic anecdotes from father/husband about what that female was like when she was younger? Check. Family drama? Check. Bunch of scenes where she gets nailed by guys (who aren't her husband of course). Check. Drug scene? Check. Near-death experience scene? Check. It only serves to highlight the injustice that big studios get blamed for producing Oscar bait. Small studios can do it too, and frequently do it worse.
Each character is lazily written with terrible character decisions. Each "plot point" (to denigrate that phrase in value) passes while the writers and director lazily swat at it in some attempt at cohesive story. It makes no effort to delve into her depression, marriage, drug addiction or father issues, instead preferring to show yet another sex scene with some stupid new twist.
Silverman's performance is the only reason I watched this film, and she's serviceable. Nothing to keep my attention and certainly nothing deserving of awards attention. Josh Charles works really hard when he's on screen, and manages to elevate Silverman's sleepwalking role. Oona Laurence, who proved herself extremely worthy in Southpaw, is wasted in a tiny part.
I Smile Back is ultimately a less effective version of Rachel Getting Married. Silverman can't light a candle to Hathaway, the film lacks any semblance of cohesion and it is excruciatingly boring. In a year where I'll See You In My Dreams, Spy, Carol, Brooklyn and Grandma are proving to be solid and interesting character studies for strong female characters, its disappointing that I Smile Back is such a spectacular waste of time.
Lacking any sense of purpose, I Smile Back lost me about two minutes into the film. Director Adam Salky and editor Tamara Meem have no idea how to construct a film, because I Smile Back has no central story whatsoever. It is just an arrangement of scenes that all involve Sarah Silverman's characters being put through the ringer. It is aided in being the worst film of the year by Paige Dylan and Amy Koppelman's turd of a screenplay, which averages one good line of dialogue per writer. All through this turd's 88 minute run time I was looking at my watch, pleading for the agony to end. Who'd have thought that there was fat in an 88 minute movie, but there are lots of scenes where Laney just walks around on drugs looking vacantly at things.
The film only exists to create indie Oscar-bait for comedy actress Silverman. It has every scene that Oscar-baiting tripe has for lead actress pushes. Scene where the female protagonist stares at her naked body in the mirror? Check. Generic anecdotes from father/husband about what that female was like when she was younger? Check. Family drama? Check. Bunch of scenes where she gets nailed by guys (who aren't her husband of course). Check. Drug scene? Check. Near-death experience scene? Check. It only serves to highlight the injustice that big studios get blamed for producing Oscar bait. Small studios can do it too, and frequently do it worse.
Each character is lazily written with terrible character decisions. Each "plot point" (to denigrate that phrase in value) passes while the writers and director lazily swat at it in some attempt at cohesive story. It makes no effort to delve into her depression, marriage, drug addiction or father issues, instead preferring to show yet another sex scene with some stupid new twist.
Silverman's performance is the only reason I watched this film, and she's serviceable. Nothing to keep my attention and certainly nothing deserving of awards attention. Josh Charles works really hard when he's on screen, and manages to elevate Silverman's sleepwalking role. Oona Laurence, who proved herself extremely worthy in Southpaw, is wasted in a tiny part.
I Smile Back is ultimately a less effective version of Rachel Getting Married. Silverman can't light a candle to Hathaway, the film lacks any semblance of cohesion and it is excruciatingly boring. In a year where I'll See You In My Dreams, Spy, Carol, Brooklyn and Grandma are proving to be solid and interesting character studies for strong female characters, its disappointing that I Smile Back is such a spectacular waste of time.
A Beautiful Tragedy
henklestalker10 November 2015
This is going to be a short review because I'm going to name a few titles that can compare to this film. Valley of The Dolls, Happiness, Leaving Las Vegas, and Requiem For A Dream. Here we see Sarah Silverman play a role that she's most likely done, experienced, or known a few people who ARE her character. She's the modern day soccer-mom-drug-addict, but I'd bet a lot of people be they men or women can relate to her.
It's not as much of an extreme-shock-value as Requiem or Happiness, but adds in some awesome sarcasm to make a plight of many adults nowadays. You might find yourself sympathizing with someone you hate, wanting to harm someone you love; even if you don't pop pills, snort drugs, forget your kid's lunches or cheat on your spouses. It's worth a watch, just not if you're in for a laugh... Unless you can conquer the darkness within yourself before you giggle.
It's not as much of an extreme-shock-value as Requiem or Happiness, but adds in some awesome sarcasm to make a plight of many adults nowadays. You might find yourself sympathizing with someone you hate, wanting to harm someone you love; even if you don't pop pills, snort drugs, forget your kid's lunches or cheat on your spouses. It's worth a watch, just not if you're in for a laugh... Unless you can conquer the darkness within yourself before you giggle.
Sarah Silverman great
SnoopyStyle22 August 2016
Outwardly, Laney (Sarah Silverman) has a nice life as a suburban wife to Bruce Brooks (Josh Charles), and mother to Eli and Janey. In private, she's a mess. She's depressed, and prescribed medication. She's also snorting drugs, and cheating with acquaintance Donny (Thomas Sadoski). She finally breaks down and Bruce brings her to rehab. Dr. Page (Terry Kinney) uncovers her anxiety about her abandonment by her father. She's afraid her son Eli is showing similar signs. She tracks down her father (Chris Sarandon). She finds herself breaking down again.
Sarah Silverman pulls out a wider range of dramatic acting. Josh Charles provides a nice complementary performance. This is an unflinching portrait of the ups and downs of Laney's journey. It's a tough character study. Silverman is able to embody the role and command the screen. The best portion has Laney worried about Eli. This is Silverman expanding her abilities and possibilities.
Sarah Silverman pulls out a wider range of dramatic acting. Josh Charles provides a nice complementary performance. This is an unflinching portrait of the ups and downs of Laney's journey. It's a tough character study. Silverman is able to embody the role and command the screen. The best portion has Laney worried about Eli. This is Silverman expanding her abilities and possibilities.
Close to a Silver Medal due to Silverrman
meeza11 December 2016
There is not much to smile back on the depressive drama "I Smile Back", but it did deserve some sort of silver medal due to Sarah Silverman's stunning performance as the melancholic drug-addicted housewife Laney Brooks. She has the suburbia utopia; a supporting husband, two wonderful kids, but yet she is overcome with grief, anxiety, and obsession. Director Adam Sailky did an average job in helming the picture, he did miss on the gravitas of the picture, which had little to none. Paige Dylan's screenplay also needed more pages of intrigue qualities. Josh Charles was stellar as the hubby Bruce. But it was Silverman who was golden as the detached Laney. "I Smile Back" is one that wont get too many smiley emojis, but still worth an ahoooooy Silverman shout-out. *** Average
How should an ideal mother behave when she's haunted by her bad past.
Reno-Rangan14 August 2016
The film is about a small family of two little kids and their parents, but all the focus was on the mother who is a drug addict and struggling with mental illness, yet care a lot for her children. But how long this happy family stays that way is the film going to reveal in its entire narration.
Based on the book of the same name, half a million budget film, has a decent cast who have given their best for it. This is not a film you watch to enjoy, but a film about the families around us. This is a depiction of the real world story, like not all the families are happier as we see them from the outside. There are some secrets in them, which sets a bad example for their own children once they come to know the true nature of their parents. But some would decide to fight hard to make everything come back to the normal and some won't. That is where film derives, how it all ends makes this film unique from the other similar ones.
I think this film was decent with an important topic. Not everyone would end up happy with their watch, because the story won't end up as they thought. The novel was written by a woman, so this is a woman's perspective tale and quite neatly told story. Not a bad direction or the screenplay, surprising the production quality was too good. Seems it is a quite family type film for involving kids, certainly the theme was very strong, so definitely for adults only. It is neither worth nor a waste of time, only if you come across to it and has no other choice, you can give it try.
6.5/10
Based on the book of the same name, half a million budget film, has a decent cast who have given their best for it. This is not a film you watch to enjoy, but a film about the families around us. This is a depiction of the real world story, like not all the families are happier as we see them from the outside. There are some secrets in them, which sets a bad example for their own children once they come to know the true nature of their parents. But some would decide to fight hard to make everything come back to the normal and some won't. That is where film derives, how it all ends makes this film unique from the other similar ones.
I think this film was decent with an important topic. Not everyone would end up happy with their watch, because the story won't end up as they thought. The novel was written by a woman, so this is a woman's perspective tale and quite neatly told story. Not a bad direction or the screenplay, surprising the production quality was too good. Seems it is a quite family type film for involving kids, certainly the theme was very strong, so definitely for adults only. It is neither worth nor a waste of time, only if you come across to it and has no other choice, you can give it try.
6.5/10
Annoying Nothingness
mcjensen-0592429 January 2021
Good lord not another pretentious sob story with meaningless scenes supposed to convey some sense of deep emotion. This movie has no pulse, hence no soul of heart. Meandering self absorbed nonsense. I can't fathom the target audience for this yawn fest.
Significant
carletonbrown23 January 2016
Movies can teach us about life- When I was a teenager I watched (experienced) Days of Wine and Roses. Jack Lemon was a great comedian, but his serious dramatic performance probably turned me and others away from becoming alcoholic.
I've always enjoyed Sarah Silverman's strong comedy which is grounded in hard reality. We laugh because we see truth in new ways.
Stephen King could not create a more wrenchingly emotional story about the horror of personal depression. And the danger of deceit, anger and unrelenting despair. There are things in life that can't be controlled and the real horror is when they come from inside us.
Sarah Silverman's professional dramatic performance is magnificent. I can't wait for more from her- drama or comedy or both.
I've always enjoyed Sarah Silverman's strong comedy which is grounded in hard reality. We laugh because we see truth in new ways.
Stephen King could not create a more wrenchingly emotional story about the horror of personal depression. And the danger of deceit, anger and unrelenting despair. There are things in life that can't be controlled and the real horror is when they come from inside us.
Sarah Silverman's professional dramatic performance is magnificent. I can't wait for more from her- drama or comedy or both.
The devastation of bipolar disorder
madworld-6350314 November 2021
Bipolar disorder is a demonic disease. One of the things that makes it so hard to treat is the notoriously high rate of medication non-compliance among patients, as seen in the movie. Addiction, also as seen in the movie, is not a stand-alone disease; it is a byproduct of trauma, and/or other mental illness, and until the root causes are addressed, addiction treatment is unlikely to be successful. Strong performance by Sarah Silverman. The husband got on my nerves, and instead of helping his wife, was ready to walk away from the marriage at any given moment. So much for in sickness and in health.
Soulless people failing to stand up for themselves.
mike-c-b25 May 2020
Every scene is bad acting lined with every evil spirit the director & cast could muster. Depression, staring, snide attacks, being disconnected with people who are supposed to be family and no one doing anything about it, blank soulless speaking.
On top of that you have Josh Charles who thought it'd be great to play an aggressive coward and normalise it, with every line towards his partner, Silverman, as a fake, snide, misogynistic attack. Every scene with energy is a coward acting tough.
Silverman plays a depressed version of herself going through the motions and failing to stand up for herself properly.
There is nothing for anybody in this movie... And now we know a little bit more about the peple who made it.
On top of that you have Josh Charles who thought it'd be great to play an aggressive coward and normalise it, with every line towards his partner, Silverman, as a fake, snide, misogynistic attack. Every scene with energy is a coward acting tough.
Silverman plays a depressed version of herself going through the motions and failing to stand up for herself properly.
There is nothing for anybody in this movie... And now we know a little bit more about the peple who made it.
Well played by Silverman, well told as a family story
Duchino6 March 2016
What you've heard is correct: Silverman shows proof of talent for dramatic roles as well. I like her comedic style and goofy standoffish stage persona, which got me curious about this film. The story rings true for the likeliness of family environments and the related social issues of prescription drug abuse, street drug use and so on. What I appreciated are both the inevitable scenario that comes to fore once the lifesavers of love and detox aren't enough to keep the protagonist from drowning in her own misery and the limited sympathy that's allowed for said protagonist, who's unwilling to reach for said lifesavers thrown at her, sliding instead into her lonely abyss.
I Smile At Silverman
Sidd_The_Movie_Slayer23 October 2015
I Smile Back is directed Adam Salky and is written by Piage Dylan. It stars Sarah Silverman, Josh Charles, Shayne Coleman,and Skyler Gaertner.
Laney Brooks(Sarah Silverman) does bad things. Married with kids, she takes the drugs she wants, sleeps with the men she wants, disappears when she wants. Now, with the destruction of her family looming, and temptation everywhere, Laney makes one last desperate attempt at redemption.
This movie leaves you sore and rather agitated. Partly because that's the point of the movie and partly, just partly, because we didn't ever really care enough to keep watching to the end.
This was not the case with me. I soldiered through till the very, predictable end for a few reasons. Well really one reason actually now that I think about it. But that one reason makes a definite snooze fest into a spectacle to see.
I am of course referring to none other than Sarah Silverman. 2015 has been a year which yielded many surprises in breaking type cast, but Sarah Silverman's transformation into Laney, a narcissistic home wrecker, might be the most surprising. I usually don't have too much doubt when it comes to Best Actresses so it pains me to say this, Sarah isn't going to win. Though she is the best female performer of the year, its unlikely that the Oscars would give any awards to an actors first type cast break. With that being said, she was revoltingly engaging to watch, casting a disgusting yet thought provoking shadow of an average American housewife's misdeeds. It was painful to watch at times but is ultimately rewarding on a character level. More than able to inject a few snips of humor to lighten the dreary mood, Silverman shines!
In terms of the other actors Josh Charles plays a sympathetic lead but I would prefer him in a courtroom. The kids were very good and churned out some great performances. Basically the Brooks family is brilliant and the rest of the cast pails in comparison. Shame but not entirely their fault.
The writer is to blame for most of this movie. Paige Dylan's intentions, though noble, are rather misguided. She mistakes tears and bad deeds for character development. Though this works to some extent, offering hints of insight, the audience never gets a full perspective into the minds of Laney and the Brooks family, though we feel like we do because of some devoted performances from its leads. Another aspect that I didn't enjoy much was the sheer predictability of the whole ordeal coupled with the poor direction makes this movie a Plodding and Uninteresting mess on a behind the scenes level.
I Smile Back is amiable, albeit shallow, fair with a standout performance by Silverman. it gets a C+ or a 5/10.
Laney Brooks(Sarah Silverman) does bad things. Married with kids, she takes the drugs she wants, sleeps with the men she wants, disappears when she wants. Now, with the destruction of her family looming, and temptation everywhere, Laney makes one last desperate attempt at redemption.
This movie leaves you sore and rather agitated. Partly because that's the point of the movie and partly, just partly, because we didn't ever really care enough to keep watching to the end.
This was not the case with me. I soldiered through till the very, predictable end for a few reasons. Well really one reason actually now that I think about it. But that one reason makes a definite snooze fest into a spectacle to see.
I am of course referring to none other than Sarah Silverman. 2015 has been a year which yielded many surprises in breaking type cast, but Sarah Silverman's transformation into Laney, a narcissistic home wrecker, might be the most surprising. I usually don't have too much doubt when it comes to Best Actresses so it pains me to say this, Sarah isn't going to win. Though she is the best female performer of the year, its unlikely that the Oscars would give any awards to an actors first type cast break. With that being said, she was revoltingly engaging to watch, casting a disgusting yet thought provoking shadow of an average American housewife's misdeeds. It was painful to watch at times but is ultimately rewarding on a character level. More than able to inject a few snips of humor to lighten the dreary mood, Silverman shines!
In terms of the other actors Josh Charles plays a sympathetic lead but I would prefer him in a courtroom. The kids were very good and churned out some great performances. Basically the Brooks family is brilliant and the rest of the cast pails in comparison. Shame but not entirely their fault.
The writer is to blame for most of this movie. Paige Dylan's intentions, though noble, are rather misguided. She mistakes tears and bad deeds for character development. Though this works to some extent, offering hints of insight, the audience never gets a full perspective into the minds of Laney and the Brooks family, though we feel like we do because of some devoted performances from its leads. Another aspect that I didn't enjoy much was the sheer predictability of the whole ordeal coupled with the poor direction makes this movie a Plodding and Uninteresting mess on a behind the scenes level.
I Smile Back is amiable, albeit shallow, fair with a standout performance by Silverman. it gets a C+ or a 5/10.
irresponsible and dungerous
marramvelez11 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This movie its about a woman with a mental disorder. She takes and needs lithium to keep the balance. Although the name of the disease is never mentioned on it,we might assume, bipolar disorder but it can be others. The movie tells the story of this woman our shows this woman going to several fazes of this disorder, all the struggle to keep the balance, to be a good wife and a good mother. There are some very interesting and true points and about this story, like the felling of being not worthy of her children of her her husband. So far so good. The acting is OK, the story line its a bit to focused on her. What i really have problems with is the ending. You see, i have very dear friends that went to all that, i have friends that take lithium. i have friends that tried to ended it all, some did it, some are still alive and i would never ever give this movie for them to watch. This movie is not just a stiller of hope to people that actually suffer from this diseases, this film almost suggests suicide with the not so much ambiguous end.This movie its irresponsible.
Powerful insight
brian-143-37307113 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This, although slow at times is a powerful insight into the devastation of mental illness and addiction. I thought the acting was powerful and true to life. The film shows how devastating a childhood loss or event can be and that it scars for life. What may seem like something one can move on from, can take hold of your life due to childhood scars being so deeply embedded. As I watched I couldn't help but think she was the girl who had everything. The beautiful family, the loving husband, the beautiful house and car etc. Never judge a book by its cover. I have experienced this disease in person and found this to shake me right through as it was so true to life. Someone with experience of this disease will find this film rather upsetting and a stark reminder of how important it is to tell your kids you love them and that you will always have their back. If the devastation of addiction doesn't interest you, you may want to skip this one. If you are in recovery...this is a must see!
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