Wendy and Jon Savage grew up together, and both suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of their father, Lenny; but they're not exactly what you'd call close. Both are wrapped up in their own lives- Wendy (Laura Linney) is aspiring to publish her semi-autobiographical play, and is carrying on a dysfunctional relationship with a married man. Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman,) on the other hand, is working as an English professor and is coping with his girlfriend's impending move to Poland, her home country. They are forced to come together, however, when they are called by Lenny's girlfriend's parents. Not only has the elderly woman died, Lenny also has senile dementia. This was discovered when his caretaker found him writing an obscenity in his own excrement.
Wendy and Jon are told they have to decide on a nursing home to put Lenny in. Wendy hopes to find a home where her father can be more independent, but Jon thinks that it's hopeless to try and put a senile man in a 'rehabilitation center.' This film records the siblings attempt to come to terms with both their dad's illness and their own relationship.
This is a movie I didn't like much until the second time I watched it. It's very slow, and neither of the main characters are totally likable. During the first viewing, I was bored by it and found the leisurely pace exasperating. The second time, however, I thought it was quite interesting and thought the acting was excellent. I didn't think the humorous parts very funny, though. I suppose they would appeal more to older people.
I thought this was a good film, although it was sad and moved slowly. You could sympathize with the main characters' father, Lenny, even though you certainly didn't want him as a dad. I wished I could have learned more about Jon and Wendy's lives, but the information they provided was eloquently placed and sufficient. I recommend this to the kind of people who like serious films that take their time. (Rated R)
Wendy and Jon are told they have to decide on a nursing home to put Lenny in. Wendy hopes to find a home where her father can be more independent, but Jon thinks that it's hopeless to try and put a senile man in a 'rehabilitation center.' This film records the siblings attempt to come to terms with both their dad's illness and their own relationship.
This is a movie I didn't like much until the second time I watched it. It's very slow, and neither of the main characters are totally likable. During the first viewing, I was bored by it and found the leisurely pace exasperating. The second time, however, I thought it was quite interesting and thought the acting was excellent. I didn't think the humorous parts very funny, though. I suppose they would appeal more to older people.
I thought this was a good film, although it was sad and moved slowly. You could sympathize with the main characters' father, Lenny, even though you certainly didn't want him as a dad. I wished I could have learned more about Jon and Wendy's lives, but the information they provided was eloquently placed and sufficient. I recommend this to the kind of people who like serious films that take their time. (Rated R)
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