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"An Award-Worthy
Performance From
Plummer?" |
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Directed by Michael
Schroeder - Written by
Michael Schroeder
Starring Christopher
Plummer, Michael
Angarano
Distributed by Outsider
Pictures - 2007 - 107mins - Rated
PG-13 |
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Richard Propes'
Review
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B- |
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It's sure not "Cyborg 2"... |
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As I
was leaving the Heartland Film Festival's screening of Crystal Heart
award-winning film "Man in the Chair," I found myself wondering "How
would I feel about this film had director Michael Schroeder not been
present for a post-screening Q&A?"
This question is key for me as I contemplate how to review a film
that both captivated and frustrated me at various points in its 107
minute running time.
"Man in the Chair" evolves around the unique friendship of high
schooler Cameron (Michael Angarano) and Flash Madden (Christopher
Plummer), a former gaffer currently drinking and smoking his days
away as a resident of the Motion Picture Home who wanders the
streets of Hollywood watching old flicks in a drunken stupor.
The film's title is derived, rather obviously, from Cameron's desire
to direct and, as a result, his participation in a high school
filmmaking competition for which he enlists the help of Flash and a
host of other forgotten Hollywood legends living in anonymity at the
Motion Picture Home.
Were the storyline to stop right here, "Man in the Chair" would feel
like an Affleck/Damon Project Greenlight film. Fortunately,
writer/director Michael Schroeder builds "Man in the Chair" into a
multi-layered, deeply satisfying look at Hollywood, the elderly,
nursing homes, society and so much more.
Plummer, a Hollywood legend who has never been nominated for an
Oscar, offers one of his finer performances as the lonely and bitter
Flash. Watching Flash evolve as he is once again asked to unwrap his
gifts is truly beautiful to behold. In the post-screening Q&A,
Schroeder noted that Plummer will be receiving a major push for an
Oscar nomination for his work in "Man in the Chair," due to open in
limited release on December 7th.
While it would be easy to call "Man in the Chair" a highlight reel
for Plummer, the young Michael Angarano ("The Lords of Dogtown")
holds his own and exhibits a wonderful chemistry with Plummer as the
two both challenge each other and grow to care for one another.
The entire cast, which received an ensemble award from Method Fest,
is stellar and, along with Plummer, marvelous character actor M.
Emmet Walsh offers one of his finest performances as Mickey Hopkins,
an Oscar-winning writer who didn't qualify for life in the Motion
Picture Home and instead finds himself barely surviving in the sort
of assisted living facility you hope to never find yourself living.
In Walsh's first moment onscreen, I was in awe of Walsh's heartfelt,
brave and vulnerable performance. Mimi Kennedy, Mitch Pileggi and
Robert Wagner also offer strong supporting performances.
"Man in the Chair" opens with uniquely edited camera work that,
according to Schroeder, is meant to symbolize both Flash's camera
work of the past with Cameron's more contemporary technology. While
the reasoning behind the camera work makes sense, there were times
when, despite its stated intent, the jarring cuts and unique blends
felt distracting and excessive. On at least a couple of occasions, a
scene's intensity was abruptly interrupted by the experimental
lensing. Some in the audience felt that this technique enhanced the
film's emotional impact, while others (myself included) felt such
techniques were unnecessary and distracting. Despite this, however,
one can't help but be impressed that such techniques were actually
camera tricks...NOT special effects.
The first film ever allowed to actually film onsite at the Motion
Picture Retirement Home, "Man in the Chair" combines the best
qualities of a buddy flick, a documentary, a teen flick and
experimental filmmaking into a surprisingly touching, insightful,
inspiring and life-affirming film. While Schroeder's script does
contain a few "Mr. Obvious" moments, it is filled with a wonderful
heart and characters who are simply brought vividly to life.
While "Man in the Chair" is not without flaws, it's a solid example
of the spirit of independent cinema that is alive and well in
America. While it's hard to predict if Schroeder can possibly be
successful in getting Plummer an Oscar nomination, it's undeniable
that Schroeder HAS offered Plummer the opportunity to shine once
again. |
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© Written by Richard Propes -
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TC Candler's Comment
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Jacob Hall's
Comment
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