Review of The Savages (2007) by Rosemarie S — 24 Mar 2009
Why is it that I forget the incredible acting prowess of Laura Linney? In writer/director Tamara Jenkins's film, her second after 1998's Slums of Beverly Hills, Linney stars alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman in this story of a (surprise) dysfunctional family reunion of sorts.
The circumstances, however, being in the wake of their estranged father's illness. She is a neurotic aspiring playwright sleeping with a married man; he's a struggling professor specializing in the works of Bertolt Brecht.
Can they come to terms with their father reassuming his place in their lives? Can they even cope with their own life's failures? The film, though not perfect, is filled with great performances and some really great directorial touches.
Jenkins the director doesn't force any superficial sentimentality or melodrama, but lets the characters live and breathe a while in their environments. Nice for a change.
This review of The Savages (2007) was written by Rosemarie S on 24 Mar 2009.
The Savages has generally received positive reviews.
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