Review of Beginners (2011) by Ken T — 11 Feb 2012
A kookie comedy in the vein of "Me and You and Everyone We Know" - except a little more focussed on less characters. Writer/director Mills also employs a fair bit of Jean-Luc Godard here as well.
Introverted artist Oliver (MacGregor) learns that his father is gay, coming out of the closet to him at age 75 - after his wife, and Oliver's mother, has passed away. His father (played marvellously by the great Christopher Plummer) begins to live a full life - the life he would have probably wanted to live all along, but was bound by society of the time.
Oliver meanwhile meets Anna (Melanie Laurent) and begins a relationship. Oliver however, has long been frightened about commitments because of his parents awkward relationship and he never wanted to follow in their footsteps.
It is an emotional journey of understanding for Oliver, both in regard to his parents and his own life, and Mike Mills really seems to understand this material and provides a terrific script. A very effective examination of a unique family situation and relationships in general.
This review of Beginners (2011) was written by Ken T on 11 Feb 2012.
Beginners has generally received very positive reviews.
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