I just saw this movie in a matinee and it is certainly one of my favorite movies of this year and definitely of all time. Such a wonderfully realistic story by Mr. Lonergan and an excellent job directing this movie. The story is so real, dialogue so real. Nothing is forced, the characters so deep. The comments I have read about this movie pretty much hit the nail on the head but I would like to praise some performances. Linney - unbelievable, she should win an Oscar but unfortunately this has been deemed Julia's year. That is too bad because her performance is a break out (I was not a big fan of Truman Show). She conveys so much with her words but also with her reactions, so much pain and emotion is put forth via her face. She also has some very humorous moments as well which she also pulls off not only with her dialogue but with her movements. Her acting is right on the money. Ruffalo - he also amazed me, I thought we were in store for another messed up sibling character with who would be one dimensional. But no, his character (thanks to Lonergan's script) becomes so much more so deep, so humorous, Ruffalo isn't as messed up as we think he is and it is a wonderful realization. Ruffalo makes this so believable. Broderick - I read comments saying that his performance was somewhat flat - I must say that yeah Broderick's performance is flat but I think it is by design. His character is a flat boring guy trying to make a small town bank more efficient. I think Broderick plays him just right (and remember he is a supporting player in this movie) the focus is right where it should be on Linney and Ruffalo. Lastly, I want to give high praise to Lonergan,not only for his direction and script but for his perfomance in the film as the town's local priest. So many times we see the Tarantinos and the Spike Lees of the world in their movies and it detracts from the film. Here, Lobergan's appearance is just right because he can act and he is the film's voice of reason bringing forth some interesting moral insight but also giving his take on how religion does fit in, in today's society.
Go see this movie and if you are not brought to tears by the film's last scene you have no heart. I have never seen such a 'real' moment from life caught on camera so well. BRAVO!!!!
Go see this movie and if you are not brought to tears by the film's last scene you have no heart. I have never seen such a 'real' moment from life caught on camera so well. BRAVO!!!!