Review of Winter Passing (2006) by James J — 23 Jun 2009

In this mythological world in which we live, everything must have lore trailing them like mucus after a slug. And in this world, there is no popular archetype more enticing than the once-great genius, now fallen, reclusive, alcoholic, depressed, suicidal. Perhaps he lives in a cabin or a shanty of some sort? He is our JD Salinger, our Marlon Brando, our Thomas Pynchon, our Syd Barret, and whatever else we choose to attach to such people. In WINTER PASSING, that archetype is portrayed by Ed Harris in a performance of an uncommon humanity and depth that is usually afforded these morbid curiosities of the human race. In this film, our crazy writer hero has a daughter who has all of his problems with none of the talent. She's a depressed drug user who sleeps around and has focused herself so inwardly that she cannot even bear to look at the person next to her in the eyes. And, because she is played by Zooey Deschanel, she is also extremely cute.

Of course her path eventually leads her back to the home where she grew up in, after the suicide of her mother. Of course, the house, like her father's mind, has gone to seed. Books lie everywhere. The wood is peeling. The plumbing never works. And, perhaps most surprisingly of all, her father is harboring tenants whom he regards as employees on a nursing staff as his health further deteriorates. As you can imagine, this leads to shocking secrets being uncovered, frayed relationships mending, and true love opening itself up.

It is, in effect, a standard family drama but what director Adam Rapp brings to it is a sense of theater that he brings with him from...the world of theater. There are few locations, the production design is showy, and the film is driven by its dialogue and characters. This is the sort of movie where the characters may be described as "unlikable" with every major character not exactly being the friendly type. Zooey Deschanel's character, for example, introduces herself to the audience by murdering a kitten in an act of mercy. (Yet, even while in the midst of this act that will forever vindicate her in the eyes of PETA, she is still.....extremely cute.) This is, yes, her best performance to date. Will Ferrell steps out of the comedy zone for a rare dramatic role that surprisingly works. He knows how to use his face and, by doing so, is able to suggest a world of pain that his character's words can only hint at.

This movie has been forgotten about, which is a bit of a shame. It is a damn good romp through familial discord. And, yes, you say that you may be burnt out on indie romps through such discord but, you know what, you can probably handle one more.