Review of The Beaver (2011) by Sv G — 03 Oct 2011

It will be impossible to ignore the art imitates life parallels between Mel Gibsonâ(TM)s deeply troubled real life and the characters he portrays. There has always been a darkness gnawing at him in such roles as Mad Max, Lethal Weapon and Braveheart.

However in his newest role as Walter Black in The Beaver he arguably gives the best performance of his career. After being kicked out of the house by his wife (Jodie Foster, also the director), suicidally depressed Walter finds a beaver puppet and begins to speak through it.

Using the beaver as a âprescription puppetâ? Walterâ(TM)s id runs amok and becomes the picture of self-assurance as he attempts to rebuild his life and his relationship with his family. Itâ(TM)s only when he is told to give up the puppet that his eyes are on fire with a terror he cannot face.

This film could have been an epic disaster if it wasnâ(TM)t for Jodie Forster, friends with Gibson since 1994â(TM)s Maverick, who directs with blunt honesty and disarming grace from the fearless script by Kyle Killen.

She also uses her experience as a child actor to bring out the nuanced best in her young performers, Anton Yelchin as Walter's older son who wants to erase any resemblance of his father and Jennifer Lawrence as his dream girl.

Gibson gives a funny, complex and moving performance that would make him a sure contender for the Oscars. If you are ready to forgive watch this and reconsider your opinion about this actor.