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 [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 December 2009 (France)

Also Known As:

The Answer Man

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

After Arlen puts the 45 record on, he jostles the stereo when he has his first back spasm. The needle clearly bounces off of the record but the music continues playing. After he falls to the floor, a close up of the record still playing is shown.

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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

References A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

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Soundtracks

"Isn't It Romantic"
Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Performed by Dick Hindman
Courtesy of Secret Garden Records

User Reviews

If you saw William Shatner on SNL, you will know what happens

When Shatner told Trekkies in an SNL skit to "get a life" he really meant it, and writer Arlen Faber(Jeff Daniels) really meant it in this film too when he said something similar to all the bookstore-signing attendees who were as fervent as any Trekkie, and all waiting excitedly for a signed copy of his blockbuster God's Answers book they could then drool over forever as they savored God's cosmic answers to every little thing in life, as told by God to Arlen Faber, who "actually spoke with God"(not!). You will have to see it to fully understand this part.

I totally liked this film for about 5/6th of it, as it's story's cleverness reminded me of the unique and quirky magic of Waitress or Big Fish, or even one of the best Woody Allan tales. But, I thought the ending was flatter and more forced compared to the rest of it, and needed a more inspired and extended premise and execution for fullest success. It seemed rushed and inconsistent with the great buildup to it.

Good magic overall but should have had a more fulfilling ending. It deserved better.