How to Be Review

Okay, so first of all, Laura and I were really worried that we wouldn't get in, so we went straight from work to the Dobie. We got there around 5:00 and ate some Chinese food, then started the line for the movie (the ticket line..we were hoping that there would be enough room for ticket holders once all the badge and pass people got in). Anyway after waiting there for a while, we met the director and he, along with the Austin Film Festival guy, gave us and the two girls behind us free tickets because we had been there since 5:30. The director, Oliver Irving, is just a wee little guy and very shy and unassuming.
The movie itself was really great. Funny and heartbreaking. Oliver said that he wanted to "take the mickey" out of all these young men he knew in his own life (many of whom are in the movie playing versions of themselves) who had everything going for them--young, white, educated, talented males--and yet spent so much time going on and on about how they didn't know what to do with their lives. I really understood what he meant by that (it seems there are a lot of young men-and even some young women--who feel that way) and he was a really funny guy.

Another cool thing about the movie was the use of music. In the first few minutes of the movie they show Rob as Art playing a song at a community center--then they pan around and it is a group of mentally challenged people that he apparently volunteers with in an attempt to feel better about himself. Anyway, the song itself is kind of awful but with a little bit of work could have been pretty good. Then throughout the movie, that same song is played in the background, but it is a jazzed up version-it shows that with some work and production time, it could be a pretty good and catchy tune. It is kind of a metaphor for Art. This is Irving's first film--he's pretty much just out of film school. I was really impressed.
Anyway, Rob was sensational. He is so funny. This is the first time I have seen him in a starring role and also one of the only roles I have seen him take advantage of his comedic talent in (he is really funny in Bad Mother's Handbook if you ever get the chance to see that). Anyway, I think I was most impressed by Rob's ability to act without dialogue. His facial expressions said it all a lot of the time, and his physicality in this role is so funny. Essentially, Rob's character Art is a loser who just wants to find his place in the world. Rob completely embodied that character. There are three scenes in particular were I felt he really excelled (I don't go into too much detail, but don't read if you don't want tiny spoilers).

1) when his friend Nicky is trying to teach him to "pick up chicks"-the scene is so ridiculously awkward and got the biggest laugh of the night.

2) when he climbs into bed with his parents and the aftermath--he tries to beat up a street lamp. It is so sad and so funny, all at the same time.

3) when he gives himself the "pep talk" in the mirror. Heartbreakingly funny.

The movie was really great--very quotable, and his friends are hilarious. I really enjoyed getting to see it--and I'm not too sad about not getting to see Rob because I'm sure Saturday is going to be a madhouse.

Speaking of Rob's whereabouts, it looks like he was at the Kings of Leon concert last night. He was supposedly there with his new model girlfriend Annelyse Schoenberger. Hmm.

Anyway, I loved the movie and will buy when it comes out on DVD. Now I have to go down to Conroe to go to a wedding. Have a great weekend!

Love,

Elle Bunny