Rated R for some sexuality and language.
114 Minutes
Written and Directed By: Tamara Jenkins

Staring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney, Philip Bosco, and Peter Friedman

Dad’s not the one that has a problem with the Valley View. There’s nothing wrong with Dad’s situation. Dad’s situation is fine. He’s never gonna adjust to it if we keep yanking him outta there. And, actually, this upward mobility fixation of yours, it’s counterproductive and, frankly, pretty selfish. Because it’s not about Dad, it’s about you and your guilt. That’s what these places prey upon. -Jon Savage

Review

The Savages omitted such a realistic quality it was actually a difficult movie to watch. The story is structured around a brother and sister who have been estranged from their father, who can no longer care for himself, and determine what the right choices for him to finish his final days, weeks, or years are. The conflict of not being close to their father, having their own lives interrupted, and having clear consciences at the end of the day are real life issues that people face everyday. Writer and Director Tamra Jenkins made no quarries about making this film incredibly intimate.

The middle-aged brother and sister are not only overwhelmed by the responsibilities of their father, but are forced to view their own mortality. Both are alone, fighting careers or relationships that are not satisfying. It suddenly becomes obvious to Laura Linney’s character, Wendy, that she may end up alone just as her father has. The combination of her guilt and her fear becomes a journey that is painful and dejecting to watch. It’s so vivid in it’s honesty, that her conflict is truly palpable.

By the films finish there is no neat little bow to tie things up, but an apparent lesson is learned, and both character’s have not necessarily changed, but have changed their perspective on life, which in turn has made small changes that may eventually lead to a path of happiness for them. The naturalism of each of their character’s and the relationships they create is intriguing and a candid glimpse into the real stuff life is about.

It’s about time some hands Laura Linney her Oscar. She is one of the most understated actresses available today. Her talent goes beyond words. So many times in The Savages she just floors you with her eyes alone. Both her and Seymour-Hoffman and such talented and subtle actors, that at moments where there was no dialogue, there almost seemed more was being said. It was amazing to watch them both work, and work so profoundly together. Two other actors may not have been able to convey Wendy and Jon to the screen so clearly. Both performances were overwhelmingly sincere.

Awkwardness Realized

The Savages was a tough movie to sit through, because it does make you think, and perhaps even join the character’s in their contemplations. There is no pizazz, or shocking revelations, or obvious lessons learned. It’s a real story, with real character’s that has the ability to affect or touch everyone who watches it in a different way. The best part of The Savages was watching Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman together. It was a poignant film, but it’s main appeal is the main actors performances.

*Philip Seymour Hoffman: September Review Star

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