Writing, reading, watching, listening.

Writing, reading, watching, listening.
Everything.

Monday, April 27, 2015

The odd film: Jack Goes Boating (2010) Philip Seymour Hoffman

Odd refers to random and also to strangeness. Films and books about misfits attract me because I relate well to being an outsider and repel me because usually the artist is so better fit into society than his creations that it makes me wander if it's not patronizing or exploration. The latter is not exactly rational: you create what you can, and if it's not an exercise and show of skills, than it's authentic work.
Anyway,  This film made me miss the presence of Philip Seymour Hoffman, the sensitive, multi-faceted actor, here a director as well, in the cinema.
The story sheds light on low class people who struggle to make a living, to love despite the difficulties, temptations and fear, and in the shy Jack and the neurotic Connie cases even to express themselves in words.
Jack (Hoffman) and Clyde (Jhn Orotz) drive limos. If at first Clyde is more social, already married, and a good friend and Jack is a complete ill-fit everywhere. Slowly, while their friendships strengthens, however, Jack seems to be the one who'll find true love, a better job and happiness.
If it sounds a bit of a cliche, well, it is. A bit. But it consists of many beautiful moments, exploration of intimacy and of alienation, and everyone acts extremely well.
On the whole, then, it's worth watching for what it does well.

Director:
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Writers (WGA):
Robert Glaudini (screenplay)
Robert Glaudini (play)

Cast

Philip Seymour Hoffman ... Jack

John Ortiz ... Clyde

Richard Petrocelli ... Uncle Frank

Thomas McCarthy ... Dr. Bob Thomas (as Tom McCarthy)

Amy Ryan ... Connie

Daphne Rubin-Vega ... Lucy
Salvatore Inzerillo ... Cannoli

And others

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