Being Flynn (2012)

Working in a Boston homeless shelter, Nick Flynn re-encounters his father, a con man and self-proclaimed poet. Sensing trouble in his own life, Nick wrestles with the notion of reaching out yet again to his dad.

Director:

Paul Weitz

Writers:

Paul Weitz, Nick Flynn (book)

Stars:

Paul Dano, Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert De Niro	...	Jonathan Flynn
Paul Dano	...	Nick Flynn
Julianne Moore	...	Jody Flynn
Olivia Thirlby	...	Denise
Eddie Rouse	...	Carlos
Steve Cirbus	...	Jeff
Lili Taylor	...	Joy
Victor Rasuk	...	Gabriel
Liam Broggy	...	Young Nick
Chris Chalk	...	Ivan
Wes Studi	...	Captain
Thomas Middleditch	...	Richard
Sarah Quinn	...	Religious Girl
Benjamin Foronda	...	Punky Guy
Dale Dickey	...	Marie

Storyline

Nick Flynn, in his 20s, hasn't found his place in the world yet, but hopes to be a writer. Around the time he takes a job at a homeless shelter in Boston, his father, Jonathan, who considers himself a great writer and who hasn't see Nick in years, abruptly makes fleeting contact. A few months later, the down-and-out Jonathan shows up at Nick's shelter and becomes a resident. This disorients Nick; he doesn't handle it well, compounded by Jonathan's belligerent behavior. Nick's memories of his mother, his budding relationship with a co-worker, and his own demons make things worse. Can anything improve? Is he his father's son?

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Plot Keywords:

father son relationship | based on memoir | homeless shelter | suicide | mother son relationship | 

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Taglines:

We're All Works In Progress.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content, drug use, and brief nudity

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 April 2012 (Hungary)

Also Known As:

Another Bullshit Night in Suck City

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$43,990, 4 March 2012, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$526,322, 8 April 2012

Company Credits

Production Co:

Focus Features,Depth of Field,Corduroy Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Datasat Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Original title of the film was "Another Bullshit Night in Suck City", the title of the memoir, from which the film is adapted.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Jonathan Flynn: America has produced only three classic writers - Mark Twain, J.D. Salinger and me. I'm Jonathan Flynn. Everything I write is a masterpiece. And soon, very soon, I shall be known.

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Connections

References Taxi Driver (1976)

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Soundtracks

This Beautiful Idea
Written and Performed by Badly Drawn Boy
Courtesy of One Last Fruit

User Reviews

The art of being you

How much we inherit from our parents doesn't necessary make us become who we really are. Some might take pride into extending the tradition while others might fight against any residue of similarity to prove otherwise.

"Being Flynn" is a beautiful drama based on a true story of survival and search for one's self. It is tragically positive as we grow with the character of Paul Dano, very nicely played, to discover new possibilities are always possible when you put your mind to it, navigating through your troubles and finding strength and determination within yourself. De Niro is absolutely amazing as an estranged father who thinks highly of himself, in spite of all his shortcomings. It's a rewarding experience that delivers a good message of the importance of finding out who you are and validating your existence.