The Answer Man (2009)
"Arlen Faber" (original title)

A reclusive author of spiritual books, is pursued for advice by a single mother and a man fresh out of rehab.

Director:

John Hindman

Writer:

John Hindman (screenplay)

Stars:

Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham, Lou Taylor Pucci

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeff Daniels	...	Arlen Faber
Lauren Graham	...	Elizabeth
Lou Taylor Pucci	...	Kris Lucas
Olivia Thirlby	...	Anne
Kat Dennings	...	Dahlia
Nora Dunn	...	Terry Fraser
Tony Hale	...	Mailman
Annie Corley	...	Mrs. Gold
Max Antisell	...	Alex
Thomas Roy	...	Riley Lucas
Peter Patrikios	...	Ross
Greg Wood	...	Businessman #1
Richard Lyntton	...	Journalist (as Richard G. Lyntton)
Richard Barlow	...	Paul
Sally Mercer	...	Customer

Storyline

Everyone wants to meet Arlen Faber, the world famous author of the best-selling spiritual book "Me and God", but crotchety, disgruntled Arlen simply wants to be left alone - and so far he's been successful in keeping his identity a secret. But all that changes when troubled bookstore owner Kris Lucas discovers his home address and barters books for Arlen's words of wisdom, and a back injury leads the reclusive writer to begin dating chiropractor and overprotective single mother Elizabeth. As Arlen's relationships with his newfound friends begin to grow, he must come to terms with his past and the realization that he doesn't hold all the answers.

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Plot Keywords:

single mother | back injury | reclusive writer | chiropractor | writer | 

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Taglines:

He wrote the book on life's big questions. But the truth is he hasn't got a clue.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 December 2009 (France)

Also Known As:

The Dream of the Romans

Filming Locations:

Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$12,998 (USA) (24 July 2009)

Gross:

$25,589 (USA) (7 August 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

120dB Films, Messick Films, iDeal Partners Film Fund

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Arlen first tries to sell books to the bookstore he is taking a different number to or from the cart or counter each time the camera leaves and returns to his character (takes two but has three and visa versa).

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Quotes

[first lines]
Arlen Faber: We would like to do a full exposé on Arlen Faber. It would coincide with the 20th anniversary release of Me and God. People want to read this story. I've read Me and God twelve times, for Christ's sake!

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Connections

Referenced in Teen Wolf: The Tell (2011)

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Soundtracks

"Isn't It Romantic"
Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Performed by Ella Fitzgerald
Courtesy of The Verve Music Group
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

A welcome relief from the mainstream Hollywood movies

A little bit of comedy, a little bit of romance, some soul searching, but not a romantic comedy or "romcom" by any means. Enjoyable to watch for over 25's, I guess.

Would be a great movie, but the story needed a lot of developing. Director and screenplay author John Hindman takes a love story and tries to include some points on "meaning of life" and "how to live your live", and a few laughs, too, just a right amount for general public. Could be a great movie, but whoever cut it, made it "too accessible" for everybody, if you know what I mean. 'Artsy-fartsy' types would tear this movie to pieces, that's for sure.

Actors did a good job, Jeff Daniels in particular. So go and watch the movie, especially if you are on a date. No uncomfortable moments, and a bit of a laugh for both sexes. Love story helps, too.