Review of Genius (2016) by Steven S — 13 Aug 2017
Based on a true story, Genius is a compelling character drama that explores the creative spirit. When book editor Max Perkins comes across a manuscript by struggling writer Thomas Wolfe he sees the potential of a great novelist, and works with him tirelessly to get his books edited and published.
The film does an especially good job at showing the collaborative process that artists and editors have. And both Colin Firth and Jude Law deliver incredibly strong performances. However, the plot's a bit formulaic, featuring a lot of standard struggling artist tropes (battle with alcoholism, betraying friends and family, etc.
). Also, several characters are underdeveloped; Nicole Kidman in particular is wasted as a stereotypical neglected wife. Yet while it has some problems, Genius is a fascinating look at the creative process and the man who shepherded some of the most prestigious writers of the early twentieth century.
This review of Genius (2016) was written by Steven S on 13 Aug 2017.
Genius has generally received mixed reviews.
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