Movie Review: The Savages
May 27th, 2008 by admin
- Director: Tamara Jenkins
- Genre: Drama/Comedy
- Year: 2007
In my opinion, another of the greats of 2007 that were wrongfully overlooked. The hype was high for this film from the get go, even though it had very little financial backing and played at very few theaters upon its release. Nevertheless the critical acclaim it received was noteworthy. Unfortunately, being the independent film that it was, it still has managed to slip under most people’s radars.
Mixing drama and comedy with fluidity, this film gives us a glimpse at the life of Johnathan and Wendy Savage, two siblings who were abandoned by their mother and who harbor a tremendous amount of resentment towards a father that failed to be exactly that for them in their youth. Now, nearing the end of his life, their father begins to suffer from Dementia and their step-mother dies. Leonard Savage, now without a partner also finds himself having to find a new home and depending entirely on his children, who are forced to find a roof for their father.
Though the film may not readily sound like comedy material, it is in the various character and situations in this film that one finds the smiles; not to mention the excruciating and disturbingly awkward moment guaranteed to make you squirm in your seat in embarrassment for various characters who throughout the movie are placed in some very interesting moments. At times a very lonely film, at other times subtly moving, the play between Johnathan (Philip Seymour Hoffman, in another great character) and Wendy (Laura Linney) makes for unforgettable interactions. This, like ‘Lars and the Real Girl’ is a definite must watch for everybody and quite possible a must own for most.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Notes: Language and adult situations with sexual material and drug content…even if it is the ‘acceptable’ kind of drugs.
Quote: Jimmy: Are you married?
Wendy: No… but my boyfriend is.