Beginners

Watching Beginners is a bit odd. Despite appearances, about halfway through the film you’ll realise that this isn’t an indie film at all (though I realise we could argue the definition of that until the cows come home) but more of a very low key comedy drama. Granted there are some quirky (shudder) moments but Mike Mill’s film is more of a character study of “real” individuals than any zany film characters, mainly due to the fact that the film is based on Mills’ own life experiences. Told partly in flashback we follow Oliver (Ewan McGregor) and the two main relationships in his life. One with his ailing father (Christopher Plummer) and the other with Anna (Melanie Laurent), a girl he meets at a party. Both are equally heart warming and frustrating for Oliver in their own different ways. In terms of plot that’s pretty much it, but the whole idea of the film is for the viewer to reflect on their own personal relationships as well as Oliver’s. The story lines themselves, despite a few shock revelations, are all presented as fairly low-key resulting in decent, but limited performances from the main actors. Mills has a background in documentary films and this could almost resemble one of those at times. His direction is pretty staid throughout most of the film and this leads to a number of occasions where plot lines and scenes end up going no-where. Though you could argue that the story hardly needs it, a bit more spark is needed at times and with Mills also having a music video background it’s surprising there isn’t a bit more energy on show. Overall this is life-affirming stuff, but will anyone bother to see it in the first place?

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict

Acceptable for what it is, but hard to recommend as worth taking your time out to see. Rating: 6/10.