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28 reviews in total

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34 out of 46 people found the following review useful:
A Kline Gem, 11 August 2010

Author: M. J Arocena from New Zealand

Kevin Kline creates the sort of character we haven't seen in a long time, not since Clifton Webb, Noel Coward or even George Sanders, an actor dares to step into the uncomfortable zone with so much wit and panache. He is the reason to see the film and in my book, that's reason enough. Paul Dano is wonderful but he projects a strange feeling. As if he has been removed from the pot a bit too quickly. He doesn't look quite done yet. Thoroughly undercooked. One has the overwhelming feeling, he won't be able to survive in this world. The film, as film, doesn't have the aspirations of Paul Schrader's "The Walker" nor its darkness but if you're not put off by a slightly tentative direction, you're in for a treat.

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39 out of 61 people found the following review useful:
Life Is Not What You Think It Is...Or Could Be, 13 July 2010

Author: gradyharp from United States

Jonathan Ames, a writer of eccentric novels, penned the book on which this bizarre film is based. His story of confused identities and searching for a workable concept of self was adapted for the screen by Ames with help from co-directors Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman. It is a confusing tale to watch but has moments of comedic insight and a cat of well- known actors that help to make the film entertaining – if a bit of fluff.

We meet English teacher Louis Ives (Paul Dano) after a prelude of daydreaming the three factors that characterize Louis - his obsession with classic literature of the 1920s, his untrained perception of how to relate to people ('awkward' would be a kind term), and his penchant for fantasizing about cross dressing. He is dismissed from his school 'due to budget cuts' (read 'having been discovered trying on a bra and being caught by the headmaster'), yet his inappropriate response is one of glee at having been given the opportunity to move to Manhattan to become a writer.

Once in New York City without connections, he answers an ad for an inexpensive apartment sharing – the ad having been submitted by one very strange Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline), an older down on his heels writer and playwright who supports himself teaching college level literature and who considers himself an aristocrat, serving as an 'escort' for older wealthy women. After an uncomfortable interview Henry consents to allow Louis to be his roommate: after weighing his options Louis accepts the room in the flea infested filthy apartment and begins trying to get to know the secretive and zany Henry.

Henry provides companionship for one Vivian (Marion Seldes) and eventually Louis is brought in as an 'extra man' to provide companionship for one of Vivian's friends (Celia Watson). In the meantime Louis finds work as a telephone salesman for a Green magazine, meets the pretty but unavailable Mary (Katie Holmes), begins to encounter Henry's entourage of loonies such as Henry's bearded and dirty repairman Gershon (John C. Reilly), and gives in to his urge to learn about cross-dressing by visiting a 'teacher ' and finally a make-over artist who places him in the role of a 'woman'. Louis' experience with transvestism fails and alienates Henry – for a brief time. But what this comedic episode results in is Louis' discovery of what is important – friends and family – and Henry and his entourage supply that and the changes this brings in all the characters draws the film to a close.

With a cast such as this we find ourselves wanting to connect with each character – bizarre though they all are – and to a degree this occurs. But the script is spotty and the direction is bumpy and in many ways it feels as though the film simply never gets off the ground. Good moments: no after taste to savor.

Grady Harp

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24 out of 34 people found the following review useful:
Marvelous, 16 October 2010

Author: Paul Haakonsen from Denmark

This movie actually took me by surprise.

First of all, let me start off by saying that the story is so compelling and spellbinding that it will blow you away. There is just something about this movie that is so unique in every way.

The characters in this movie are so fantastically unique, quirky and lovable. It all just came together for a greater unity. The role of Louis Ives (played by Paul Dano) was the quirkiest of all, struggling to find his place in life, dealing with his sexuality and the admiration of Henry and trying to find acceptance. And I must admit that Paul Dano portrayed his character in a very good way; he was awesome in this movie. And his resemblance to a young Liam Neeson is just uncanny.

Moving on to the role of Henry Harrison (played by Kevin Kline), well his role was eccentric and strict. But, as usual, Kline put on a magnificent performance. He is very charismatic and have a good voice. He is indeed one of the better actors of recent times.

And also, not forgetting, the strange character of Gershon Gruen (played by John C. Reilly) was also very memorable and lovable, especially his voice.

In all fairness, then this movie worked so good on all levels. However, I think that a share of people might be put off by the movie, as it does have that certain epic cinema moment to it, and also dealing with (and I use this term in lack of better) sexually deviant behavior. For me, I found that aspect of the movie to be one of the driving factors, because it showed how Louis Ives was struggling to find himself and dealing with his needs.

The movie is very beautiful in more than one way. The story is beautiful, the cinematography is beautiful, the music is beautiful, and so forth. This is one of the better movies I have seen in a while. It is a fresh breath of change in the movie scene for me. Nice with a movie that stands out from the mainstream comedies, and dares to be so unique as it is.

If you haven't already seen "The Extra Man", then you owe it to yourself to do so, especially if you are (like me) a lover of the cinema and movies. This is a story that will stay with you for a long, long time.

Thumbs up, way, way up from me!

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26 out of 41 people found the following review useful:
Quirky, funny and filled with brilliant performances, 11 August 2010

Author: rroberto18 from United States

Way too much will be given away if I attempt to describe the storyline. Suffice it to say that even a total lack or overabundance of plot wouldn't detract from its fascination quotient if you enjoy edginess and the unexpected, A side of NYC life never before portrayed on screen. How "real" does it feel? Totally besides the point with direction and acting of the highest caliber. Some of the best tales are stories you don't believe until after you've seen them played out; reality isn't what it's cracked up to be where thoughtful playfulness takes precedence. Despite the tag-line, there is indeed erotica at work on screen, but sexuality is never depicted for its own sake. More emotional than carnal knowledge gets exhibited here. Wonderfully diverse soundtrack ranging from classical/opera to T-Rex and Velvet Underground. Totally haunting film experience that's not a blockbuster but needs to be seen by people who can appreciate "quirk." This film should become a cult classic at the very least and a long-running topic of conversation at cocktail parties. A "sleeper' in the best sense of the term. If you see it and "get it," you will enjoy bonding with others of like minds.

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12 out of 14 people found the following review useful:
Essential characters, but awfully weird, 5 January 2011

Author: napierslogs from Ontario, Canada

Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline) is "The Extra Man", but to him, he's an "essential man". He seems to live in a time and class that he doesn't physically occupy. Louis Ives (Paul Dano) would really just like to be a character in an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. These characteristics were so intriguing at the beginning of the film because there are a lot of thoughtful and interesting directions to take it.

They make a great pairing, except for the fact that Henry isn't just homophobic, but proudly and defiantly, extremely homophobic, and Louis is proudly and completely confused. And neither of them understand the nature of their friendship. When the film chooses to explore Louis' inner transvestite and getting deeper into Henry's obsession as the essential man, everything just gets weird.

"The Extra Man" is an extremely intelligent film. There was clearly a lot of effort put into the writing, the characters, the acting and the making of this film, but the weird directions it took were too much for me. I want to recommend it to those who like smart, philosophical, but weird, independent films. Just look out for some "sexually deviant behaviour".

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13 out of 18 people found the following review useful:
Quirky, Funny, Different, Interesting, 21 November 2010

Author: avafradkin from United States

An interesting movie, full of off beat laughs and phenomenal acting by Kevin Kline and Paul Dano and John C. Reilly. Intellectually stimulating, fun, and most importantly, different than the average movie. Paul Dano is brilliantly cast as a young writer who has some confusion about his sexuality and also feels he is meant to be in another era. Kevin Kline is hilarious as an off beat character whose political and social views are quite out of the ordinary. The movie allows the audience to ponder, while not being overly ambiguous. The scene at the beach when John C. Reilly sings and Kevin Kline teaches Paul Dano to dance, is a keeper for my memory bank. "Get me off this Godforsaken beach. I need alcohol and civilization".

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7 out of 9 people found the following review useful:
refreshing laugh, 26 November 2010

Author: imastringbean from United States

i saw this movie because I am a John C Reilly fan, however, much to my chagrin, even with his minor role, this gave me many genuine deep "what the f%$#" laughs. I also like Paul Dano and think he really played this character well. His look of horror at his woman self was priceless, especially when he had to dodge flying Christmas ornaments from harry.

it was quirky yet boldly in-touch and the humor spoke to me. It was a movie that I watched by myself on a lonely night and it certainly took me out of my head.

this is the only movie I have ever watched that I was motivated to write the review for.

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3 out of 4 people found the following review useful:
I couldn't find out why its not a masterpiece, 22 December 2010

Author: Burkay Adalig from Turkey

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

a great ensemble of good story and cinematography, well established characters, nice acting and well chosen soundtrack...I simply couldn't find out why its not a masterpiece. But you'll certainly see something 'new'

Paul Dano is brilliant in his role as Louis Ives, the young gentleman who struggles about his sexual identity and being born late to this world... Kevin Kline is great in playing the eccentric landlord.

The story is great but it has some flaws in the script, such an original movie should have had some catchy, clever lines. there should have been more references to Fitzgerald and James since the character is a teacher of English literature and basically lives the life of a gentleman of old times

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8 out of 14 people found the following review useful:
Average Stuff...., 2 January 2011

Author: nama chakravorty from India

Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini's 'The Extra Man' is average stuff... that had the potential to come out as a pure gem. But, the writing is weak, especially in the final 30-minutes.

'The Extra Man', based on a novel, tells the story of a failed playwright, who develops an odd mentor relationship with a Louis Ives, a troubled, cross-dressing, aspiring writer to whom, he sublets a room in his New York apartment.

The idea, is fairly interesting, and it does hit the right points in the beginning. But, after a point, the writing begins to lose. The pace suddenly dips, and even the culmination comes out bland. Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini's adapted screenplay is flawed. Their direction is just about okay.

Performance-Wise: Kevin Kline is damn good. He is the life of the show. Paul Dano does reasonably well, while John C. Reilly sports a hideous get-up. Katie Holmes is alright. Alicia Goranson is fair.

On the whole, an average effort, that had great potential, but sadly, gets wasted due to weak writing. Watch it if you must!

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8 out of 14 people found the following review useful:
A vaguely interesting look into several wacky characters, 4 December 2010

Author: Gordon-11 from Hong Kong

This film is about a male playwright and part time escort who takes on a young professor with transvestite tendency as his flatmate.

"The Extra Man" is an interesting look into the lives of three wacky characters, but it does not offer much else. It is engaging enough to make you keep watching, but it does not make you beg for more. The film concentrates on how the characters are at present, but it gives little insight into why they are the way they are. I expect that this kind of film to be more introspective, but it is not. The weird interpersonal relationships among all the characters are vaguely interesting, maybe I cannot get into them more because their universe is so far from mine.

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