kosmasp
Fiction and reality are sometimes very near each other. So close that you might not be able to tell them apart. Add to that mix a life in theater and a wild imagination ... well you kind of got what this movie is about. The beginning makes it obvious, that Al Pacinos character has some issues staying focused to say the least.He also has some other issues (some in bed, some artistic and some with his sanity). And that's almost just scratching the surface. The movie wants a lot and is interesting enough (especially with Pacino being "game" if you'll excuse the pun). We also get a muse, that shouldn't be involved with him (age wise, sexual orientation wise and much more) ... but they kind of pull it off. So while this is as strange as it gets, it might be able to float your boat
LeonLouisRicci
One of the Problems with Al Pacino Films in Recent Years is His Aging. He Looks Old and one is constantly Reminded as He Performs in various Roles of late, just how Old He is Getting and just How Old He Looks.That is Definitely Not a Problem in this one. A Dark Comedy from Director Barry Levinson with a Script by Buck Henry from a Book by Philip Roth. Because, You See, the Character Pacino Plays IS an Old Actor that IS Losing His Grip on His Craft and His Looks are Not Receding, their Lost. It's an Uncanny and Personal Role for Pacino.It's an Odd Movie and Off Beat with an Awkward Rhythm that Comes Together occasionally and then just as quickly Quirks Up and falls Out of Step. That Keeps Things Interesting and the Cast of one Goofy Character after another Helps Things Stay Frosty.Greta Gerwig Co-Stars with Pacino as a Scatterbrained Lesbian that has had a Life Long Crush on the Actor and She Helps the Strange Story along with a lot of Unpredictable Behavior. Overall, Worth a Watch for something Different and to See Pacino Finally Playing His Age. An Arty Film for Lovers of Stage and Screen with enough Gravitas to Entertain Thanks to some Good Performers and some Sharp Writing.
Larry Silverstein
This film can be quite funny but also quite weird, as it had a certain appeal to me and I ended up liking it. Not everything works here, and I would venture to say it's not for everyone, but I felt the parts of the movie that do work, work well and make it worthwhile.Al Pacino and Greta Gerwig are exceptional here, in the lead roles, and play off each other quite well. Pacino portrays Simon, an aging actor who sees his mental capabilities diminishing before his eyes, thus markedly affecting his ability to perform. Following an intentional leap from a stage into an empty orchestra pit, landing face first, followed by a botched suicide attempt, He ends up in a rest and rehab home for 30 days, before being released into the outpatient care of his therapist (Dylan Baker), whom he has sessions with on Skype.Gerwig plays Pegeen, who shows up at Simon's front door, one day, and is the daughter of former friends and co-performers of his, many years before. She tells Simon, whom she hasn't seen in many years, that as a child she used to have an enormous crush on him when he would visit their home. Despite declaring she's an avowed lesbian, she begins to boldly seduce Simon and they soon begin a May-December relationship.All kinds of quirky characters will come and go throughout the film, such as Sybil (Nina Arianda) who met Simon in rehab and now is stalking him to kill her vile husband. Also, Prince (Billy Porter), who used to be Priscilla and in a relationship with Pegeen before the operation. It's fun to see some veteran screen notables make varying screen time appearances, including Charles Grodin, Dianne Wiest, Dan Hedaya, Kyra Sedgwick, and Mary Louis Wilson.It's nice to see the acclaimed filmmaker Barry Levinson (Rain Man, The Natural) back with a movie on screen, with a screenplay from the great Buck Henry (The Graduate), and Mechal Zebede.All in all, this film offers something different but, as mentioned it will not appeal to everyone. With the performances of Pacino and Gerwig, as well as solid support, plus some quirky humor, I felt there was enough here for me to enjoy.
Tony Heck
"I will never go on stage again." Simon (Pacino) is an aging stage actor who has a breakdown on stage. After a stint in rehab he moves out on his own again and is surprised when Pegeen (Gerwig), the daughter of someone he used to know shows up at his door. The two begin a friendship that changes into much more
or does it? Al Pacino has been my favorite actor for a long time now and anything he is in I am excited about watching. This is a type of character that he rarely plays, the only other time I've seen him play someone like this is in People I Know. That said, this movie shows why Pacino is such a force. The entire movie keeps you guessing what is real and what is imagined. He does a great job of really making you feel the way he wants you to. Whether he is sleep deprived in Insomnia or slowly losing his mind in this one you can't help but go through the struggle with him. This is a good movie but it is a little slow in some parts. Much like the recent Birdman, you watch an actor struggle with his inner demons, and while it's not a happy thing to watch you can't look away. Overall, Pacino once again proves why he is such a powerful actor. If you liked Birdman then watch this one. I give it a B.
AD
