Director: Tamara Jenkins
Cast: Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco
Classification: 13LS
Running time: 111 minutes
Rating:**
Perhaps our cultural differences tend to make us view certain international flicks in a different light, or maybe it's simply down to the fact that we've completely missed the point!
"http://www.youtube.com/v/iu9G9OxHMhI"
Irrespective of the reason, there's a pervading trend in showbiz circles of late, which sees us critics conferring endless praises on films like There Will Be Blood, while our local audiences are left wondering just what was so brilliant about them. The Savages is another production which has fallen victim to this phenomenon.
Written and directed by the same talent (Tamara Jenkins) who brought us the critically acclaimed Slums of Beverly Hills, news of Jenkins' second cinematic venture was met with much anticipation. Unfortunately, not even the acting genius of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney can disguise the fact that the film falls short of expectation.
Described as "an irreverent look at family, love and morality", it tackles the topic of what happens when roles are reversed, and the child (or, in this case, children) becomes the caregiver to the parent. Just to add an extra dash of chilli powder to the zesty concoction, the parent (Bosco) is rapidly plunging into a state of dementia and, ultimately, death.
It's a realistic take on some of life's inevitable certainties, which someone who's been in such a position will easily relate to. But for those who haven't, this heavy dose of realism is simply likely to come across as depressing, especially when coupled with the subplot of two estranged siblings, still struggling to make sense of their troubled adolescence (which, as an aside, is never really explained).
Powerful characterisations by Hoffman and Linney (who received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her role) are the film's saving grace.
So if it's a thought-provoking, albeit bleak, look at the veracity of our mortal existence you're after, The Savages should be sufficiently complex.
But if it's a good dose of traditional Friday night escapism you want, profundity is best left for the philosophical sort.
- If you liked One Hour Photo Lab and Passing Winter, The Savages should be just up your street