Dir & Scr. Mike Mills
I absolutely adored this film. I absolutely fell in love with all the main characters. I absolutely and utterly wished I had written the beautiful dialogue. This film is a slow ache. It’s slightly twee, kind of all over the place, and often hilarious. And it completely lays it heart out for all to see. Some will scoff and carelessly trample that heart. I just wanted to hug it and take it home, to keep the feeling with me forever.
It’s 2003 and Oliver (McGregor) - a graphic artist who feels too much, too deeply - has just lost his father to cancer. After his mother’s death, five years earlier, Oliver’s distant and emotionless father Hal (Plummer) came out and embraced his new life, starting a relationship with a much younger man (Visnjic). Mere months after his father’s death, Oliver meets Anna (Laurent), a mysterious and beguiling French actress. This new relationship evokes memories of his father, his upbringing, his unsuccessful past relationships. Beginners examines the truly insidious way that your parents’ relationship affects the way you love and allow yourself to be loved.
Beginners is understated and surprising. Jumping all over the place, time-wise, is no obstacle to following Oliver’s journey. Though this may annoy some, it was refreshing not to be spoon-fed by a writer/director – just keep up and you will be rewarded. The dialogue and interaction between characters is a joy. Sometimes you will laugh out loud. You may cry (I did). And more than once I audibly sighed, heartbroken or delighted. I have not been as in love with a script in a long time.
The acting on offer here is unquestionably brilliant. McGregor is sullen without being mean, resigned without being hopeless, loving without being melodramatic. His Oliver is easy to adore and relate to. Plummer is a delight, finding joy in his new lifestyle, like a kid at Christmas. His concern for his son – for his choices and his future – is beautifully played. Visnjic is a lovely oddball, as Hal’s partner Andy. Keller is absolutely haunted as Oliver’s mother, Georgia. And Laurent, well, what can I say? What is it about French woman that make me question my sexuality?! First Binoche, then Tautou, then Cotillard, now Laurent. She is simply wonderful.
Beginners is a love story. Actually, it’s several love stories. It’s quirky and moving. Undoubtedly, it will bore some. But if you’re a hopeless and helpless romantic like me, definitely see this film. If for no other reason than an adorable Jack Russell called Arthur.
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Hal: Well, let's say that since you were little, you always dreamed of getting a lion. And you wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait but the lion doesn't come. And along comes a giraffe. You can be alone, or you can be with the giraffe.
Oliver: I'd wait for the lion.
Hal: That's why I worry about you.
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