For those of you who like a good comeback, look no further then the stunning return of original Bad News Bear himself Mr. Jackie Earle Hailey. Off the radar since the late 70s, Mr. Haliey has resurfaced in the film adaptation of the Tom Perrota novel Little Children. Yes the movie also stars Dame in waiting Kate Winslet, the sublime Jennifer Connelly and the HOT Patrick Wilson (plenty of footage of Patricks buff bod poolside, dropping towel for Kate to behold his perfection) but when the credits rolled it was Mr. Haileys performance that stuck with me.
The basic premise is suburban, safe and bored can be a deadly combination. Kate plays a frustrated creative type who gives it all up to play mommie. Patrick plays an emasculated stay at home dad. The two meet on a dare in the neighborhood playground as defiant Kate refuses to be a part of the mommie club and approaches Patrick. From there fireworks erupt under the VERY watchful eyes of the Gladys Kravitzes that they find themselves surrounded by.
Another story line features Mr. Hailey as a guy who flashes kids. He has been released and turned over to his mother as guardian. The two live a very secluded, co-dependent life that erases some of the sordidness of the situation and makes it just plain sad. The mother (equally good) tries to create a normal life for her son by playing match maker,etc. But there is always the unease in her mind and the audiences that this sitiation will never be normal. But what is normal and thats what this film plays with.
Is it easier to point out the bad egg in the hood and forget about the eggs rotting in your own backyard? You betcha as that is the American way. The movie brings the two story lines to a collision by the end as all the characters run into each other/miss each other/react to each other by fate/accident/intention. There are several lynch pins that bring this about including a satirical swim by Mr. Hailey in the neighborhood pool that clears the waters faster then you can say LAND SHARK!
Mr. Hailey gives a sad, brutally honest portrayal of a man that knows he cannot fit into society and has given up trying. His end is more a punishment onto himself for this crime than a punishment by others. I hope there is a NOM for him at Oscar time as the Globes have already annointed him for supporting. Hollywood does love a comeback and he could be a LONG shot. We shall see. The seemingly "normal" other characters end up back in their "normal" lives or do they? There is a slight unease at movies' end that makes me think only the sequel LIttle Adults can bring that question to an answer. ***1/2
Saturday, January 06, 2007
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But he IS nominated for a SAG award, arguably more impressive since its a peer award. And actors make up the majority of the Academy. So...the odds are on his side. This one is still on my list to see!
Wow, I just saw the movie - a strong ***1/2, like you gave it. What an observant movie! First, the droll narration (loved it!) puts us in the frame of mind that we're dissecting these lives to see what they're really made up of. Second, great performances. Dame in waiting indeed - Kate Winslet is superb - and Oscar nom #5 on the way (and she's only 31!). Don't overlook how spot-on her American accent is. I agree with you on Mr. Hailey. And stage actor Patrick Wilson - uh, yeah, my heart skipped a few beats! Third, it was the little things that added up and made this such a rich film for me: the antsy wife waiting for the husband to get home so she can have a semblance of her own time for a few hours; the loser guy (ex-cop) who places all his self-worth in others; the guy who's skated by in life on his looks and not much else and doesn't even realize what he is missing; the nosey mothers (and really everyone) who misplace all of their pent up frustrations, problems, anger, whatever... into activities, affairs, or causes that validate their existence because nothing else does. The ending became suprisingly suspenseful, and I was thankful it did not go for easy payoffs or thrills, but instead continued toward the truth - which, sadly, will ultimately lead the characters further from theirs. Beautifully done movie, and one of my top movies of the year.
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