The Civilization of Maxwell Bright (2005)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

David Beaird

Writer (WGA):

David Beaird (written by)

Release Date:

28 September 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Buddhism | Mail Order Bride | Character Name In Title

Awards:

7 wins

Cast

Patrick Warburton	...	Max Bright
Marie Matiko	...	Mai Ling
Simon Callow	...	Mr. Wroth
Austin Pendleton	...	Jaurice
Jennifer Tilly	...	Dr. O'Shannon
Kurt Fuller	...	Berdette
Eric Roberts	...	Arlis
Keith Diamond	...	Jackson
Rick Mali	...	Timo
Constance Hsu	...	Mrs. Wroth
Bryan Clark	...	Justice of the Peace
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Monique Coppola	...	Gabby Client (scenes deleted)
Leland Crooke	...	Buddy DeHare
Cathryn de Prume	...	Helen
Nora Dunn	...	Mary Jane
Nicole Gian	...	Claudine
John Glover	...	Ogden
Carol Kane	...	Temple
Terence Knox	...	Officer Riggs
Missi Pyle	...	Cop
Renee Ridgeley	...	Amber
Paul Taegel	...	Hugo
Shawn David Thompson	...	David Law

Also Known As:

Sex & Violence (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong language including sexual references, some sexuality and graphic nudity.

Runtime:

USA:107 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:MA | USA:R | New Zealand:R18

Company:

Sneak Preview Entertainment

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: In at least two shots when Maxwell is supposed to be dead in his apartment, his lips and/or eyelids are seen moving.

Quotes:

Max Bright: [to caretaker] The next time you see me, you forgive me if I don't hold up my end of the conversation.

An emotional roller coaster of a ride -- don't miss this one.

Maxwell Bright hates women, but he hates himself even more. He destroys his business, his credit rating, his home and his friendships. Even his body falls apart, seemingly under the great cosmic weight of his hatred. And yet: this movie isn't about loathing; it's about forgiving. Yes, Maxwell is repulsive. But he holds a paradigmatic, redemptive trump card: somebody loves him. If Mai Ling can forgive him, honor him, love him -- then so can we. And ultimately, so can Maxwell himself -- which is precisely what sets him free.

I enjoyed the naked shakiness of this movie. Performances by Patrick Warburton, Marie Matiko and Eric Roberts were especially textured and compelling. See this movie. It will test your powers of forgiveness, and you'll be better for it.