Review of Half Nelson (2006) by Layne W — 09 Jan 2009
"Half Nelson" is a story about liberal guilt in the face of an enormous existential crisis. For Ryan Gosling's earnest inner-city school teacher, the paradox between the person he is in the classroom and the person he is at home, abusing drugs while hypocritically telling one of his students not to do the same, amounts to a remarkably complex characterization of a man teeming with intelligence and opportunity who is on the path to destroying his life.
Gosling is a revelation here--this performance is one of the greatest acting jobs I've seen this decade. It will be remembered for years (it's hard to believe he lost the Oscar). The surprise is Shareeka Epps--she's a fireball of talent.
The level of acting in this film is astonishing, and although more could have been done to make the movie itself a powerful work of art, there's no denying these performances are downright perfect.
This review of Half Nelson (2006) was written by Layne W on 09 Jan 2009.
Half Nelson has generally received very positive reviews.
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