The careful direction and warm cinematography give this film a lovely lightness and glow. The editing is picture perfect and punctual. Not only is every edit button fastened with compulsive obsessive care, but manipulation of speed, both fast and slow, accent as sharply as a red bow tie. The same is true of the score. I love the punchy march that returns for each walk to work, it's an anchor in a wonderfully eclectic score that never bores, always adds, and gives the film a strong heart beat.
Despite a rather linear storyline, and the fact that the the camera seldom strays (if ever) from the main character, a few nice twists and a sweet surrealism keep the film quite engaging. And while West (as Walter) gives a well-enough performance, it's really Justin Kirk whose acting chops grace the film with some welcome bite. Perhaps it's just coincidence, but Kirk plays the character "Greg" as Greg Kinnear would have.
The picture has a good attitude! Its positive theme encourages us along that journey of self-improvement, whether we're too-tied into realty or simply wrestling with a workable bout of mental illness.
-- Books by Ross Anthony, Author/Illustrator --
|