Review of The Humbling (2014) by Manny C — 10 Feb 2015

Al Pacino's still got it. Just watch him dig into the role of an actor in crisis in The Humbling. In director Barry Levinson's wonderful film version of Philip Roth's 2009 novel, Pacino is Simon Axler, an aging star who suddenly can't remember his lines, falls into the pit during a Broadway performance of As You Like It, goes into rehab with thoughts of suicide and once released, returns to his Connecticut home to find what he believes is his true love and a new life with Pageen (a terrific Greta Gerwig), a younger woman who is also a lesbian.

The Humbling is a dazzling dark comedy propelled by Levinson's trademark satirical skills, but know this: it is not exactly the novel Roth wrote. Pacino and Levinson, who previously worked together on HBO's amazing Dr. Kevorkian drama, You Don't Know Jack, are in experiment mode here. Shooting in Levinson's own home, they find the places where comedy and tragedy collide.

The film stumbles of course, but it's to be expected when creative talents are walking the tightrope. But when everything connects and sets in motion, it's exhilarating. It's Pacino's best film in years, he goes right for it. By playing an actor who can no longer fool himself, he gets at the palpable feelings of terror that come with diminishing capacity. It's a master class in acting. Bravo.