Review of The Upside of Anger (2005) by Caley A — 13 Jul 2007

[indent]This is probably the most overlooked film in years. This comedy/drama is above all others in the same category and shines like a star with an amazing performance from Joan Allen. The character she plays is very real and that's what I liked about her. She plays a suburban woman who is raising four wonderful girls. Her husband has disappeared and all signs point to his having fled to Sweden with his new girlfriend. She is distraught and drinks her troubles away with her friend (who is becoming very close) Denny (Costner).

Both of these characters (Terry and Denny) are alcoholics, unlikeable, flawed, regular people who just want to live a normal life without all of the responsibility that comes with it. The chemistry between Allen and Costner is unique. They are a wonderful pair and you can tell by their conversations; the way they talk with each other, yet they seem to be so distant at times. The uncomforableness in all of the relationships in this film is mainly due to Joan Allen's character. She is a deteriorating middle-aged woman who is upset, angry if you will, and the only way she knows how to control herself is with a vodka and tonic.

In the beginning narrative spoken by Evan Rachel Wood, she says that her mother used to be a happy person. She's not happy anymore. After her husband disappeared her family crumbled and her ideas of a happy life went down the drain. Her illusion became a reality and now she has to live with the pain. I sympathize for Joan Allen's character because I understand her family's pain. When you can relate to a story I think that you will like it that much more.

Director and writer Mike Binder has created this story of imperfect people struggling for stability and he captured these characters perfectly. There hasn't been this good of a character study in that situation since 1980's [i]Ordinary People[/i].

The characters make this movie. The story revolves around them so there can't be a judgment on the story unless you understand the characters fully. It's a wonderful character study and the relationships between all of the people in this film is something to think about. I have come to the conclusion that Joan Allen should have won the Oscar for her performance in this film. A performance this real that incorporates angst, comic relief and confusion so well is rare. Joan Allen was perfect and so was this film.

I highly recommend this to everyone. It will help if you've been through such a situation before and you can relate with some of the characters. A terrific achievement for Mike Binder.[/indent].