A troubled husband and executive adopts a beaver hand-puppet as his sole means of communication.
Director:
Jodie FosterWriter:
Kyle Killen
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Title: The Beaver (2011)
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2 wins & 5 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Mel Gibson | ... | Walter Black | |
| Cherry Jones | ... | Vice President | |
| Jodie Foster | ... | Meredith Black | |
| Anton Yelchin | ... | Porter Black | |
| Riley Thomas Stewart | ... | Henry Black | |
| Zachary Booth | ... | Jared | |
| Jennifer Lawrence | ... | Norah | |
| Jeff Corbett | ... | Volunteer Dad | |
| Baylen Thomas | ... | Skeptical Man | |
| Sam Breslin Wright | ... | Man | |
| Kelly Coffield Park | ... | Norah's Mom | |
| Michael Rivera | ... | Hector | |
| Kris Arnold | ... | Waiter | |
 |
Elizabeth Kaledin | ... | Reporter |
| Matt Lauer | ... | Matt Lauer | |
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
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Storyline
Walter Black ('Mel Gibson') is depressed and sleeps most of the day. It's driving his family crazy, and his wife Meredith (Jodie Foster) kicks him out. Walter starts carrying a beaver puppet and tries to commit suicide (unsuccessfully). He uses the puppet to talk to himself, trying to bolster his spirits, and is trying to rebuild his life. Through the beaver, the family begins to learn about Walter's history and problems, and as he continues rebuilding, the beaver shows us all a way to cope. Written by Anonymous
Plot Keywords:
depression | dysfunctional family | directed by star | directed by co star | directed by cast member |Taglines:
He's here to save Walter's life.Genres:
DramaMotion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, some disturbing content, sexuality and language including a drug reference | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
19 May 2011 (Germany) See more »Also Known As:
Le complexe du castor See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$21,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$107,577, 8 May 2011, Limited ReleaseGross USA:
$970,816Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Walter Black: This is a picture of Walter Black, a hopelessly depressed individual. Somewhere inside him is a man who fell in love. Who started a family. Who ran a successful company. That man has gone missing. No matter what he's tried, and he's tried everything, Walter can't seem to bring him back. It's as if he's died, but hasn't had the good sense to take his body with him. So mostly what he does is sleep.
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Did You Know?
Quotes
[first lines]Walter Black: This is a picture of Walter Black, a hopelessly depressed individual. Somewhere inside him is a man who fell in love. Who started a family. Who ran a successful company. That man has gone missing. No matter what he's tried, and he's tried everything, Walter can't seem to bring him back. It's as if he's died, but hasn't had the good sense to take his body with him. So mostly what he does is sleep.
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Crazy Credits
A letter or two from each cast/crew member remains and forms part of the next credit. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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It really sounds to me like Mel Gibson has modelled the voice and the accent for the puppet on Ray Winstone which shouldn't surprise me considering they have worked together in the past. However, top marks to Mel for that one because you really could be forgiven for thinking Ray did a voice-over for the puppet.
In general this is not the usual style of film I would watch but I really must say I was most pleasantly surprised at how engaging it was. For me at least, this was down to the Beaver (yes I realise how that sounds) but the remarkable thing is that I forgot it was a puppet controlled and voiced by Mel. I really began to see it as a complete separate character and it just gave the film whole other dimension.
Performances from Gibson and Foster were excellent (as you would expect). Their acting was totally spot on, never once seeming over the top or forced. Jodie Foster has done a sterling job on the directors chair skilfully taking the viewer on a journey in what I would have thought not a particularly easy film to direct. There are some humorous moments but this is not a comedy. You will occasionally laugh, and at times you will tense up during some of Gibsons darker moments. But that is a job well done from all.
This is certainly not a film for everyone but if you like a movie that's choc full to the brim with the human element, excellent acting and directing then I really would recommend it.