Director: James Ponsoldt
Writers: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber
Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Masam
Holden, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Synopsis: Following a break-up with his girlfriend Sutter (Teller)
decides to seek a different path with different company. During this quater-life
crisis he meets Aimee (Woodley), a sweet girl who wants nothing but to share
the “spectacular now” with him. The only problem is Sutter has a drinking
problem and sees himself slowly destroying Aimee’s innocence.
Very recently a British rom-com
placed a great deal of emphasis on living in the moment; Richard Curtis’ About Time was full of zest and emotion
in its championing of the present. Across the pond James Ponsoldt’s The Spectacular Now aims at promoting
the same ideals, though – arguably – with more heartbreak and drama. The film
may be categorised as a coming of age teen romantic comedy/drama but it’s
wildly different to films under the same label. For one, its protagonist is a
largely unlikeable figure to follow throughout and, secondly, most will find
more upset than laughs in its 95 minute runtime.
Its aim to unsettle the audience faintly
works throughout. The main character is a teenage alcoholic, leading along an
innocent girl still with his mind on his ex. Meandering at points, the film
does not always hit hard or powerfully – it’s ultimate flaw. It does, however,
lead up to an affecting final 30 minutes where writing, acting and directing is
exceedingly noteworthy.
Director James Ponsoldt has
continually touched upon the subject of alcoholism (Smashed and Off the Black),
unquestionably aware of the drama and turmoil that comes with it. Working
through the ages in relation to alcoholism (Nick Nolte, Aaron Paul, coming to
Miles Teller), now viewing it in conjunction with teenagers, has sharpened his
portrayal of it all. Nothing in the film feels clichéd – nor do characters
appear like caricatures – so you’re left with a convincingly biting story.
Ponsoldt brings a wealth of
knowledge to the film yet it is his actors that bring it to life. Both Teller
and Woodley’s performances are tremendously naturalistic. It’s Teller’s film
and he reminds us of his talent with subtle changes between drunk and sober
(eventually obscuring that distinction). His break-out role in Rabbit Hole showed him stealing scenes
from Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, moving on to projects where that was
sadly absent. In The Spectacular Now
he regains the title of an exciting new talent. His ability to make you
empathise with his character whilst simultaneously seeing him as heinous is
brilliant.
Woodley – an immediate star after
The Descendants – favourably adds to
her award-worthy CV with her quiet and charming turn here. Supplying jollity
against the melancholy of Teller’s storyline, Woodley gives the film its heart.
Without her the film would, in all probability, fail. Woodley’s Aimee gradually
starts to shape the film and even with dubious narrative U-turns she keeps it
believable. Had Aimee’s character had more within the script it could have
bettered the film; its heavy focus on Sutter eclipses the potential
significance of Aimee’s narrative.
Whether the general public will
see the film’s deeper messages remains to be seen. For those understanding of
the “now” motif’s complexity, Aimee and Sutter’s story is heart-rending. Whilst
Aimee looks toward the future, Sutter is stuck in the moment. He chooses the
comfortable and familiar over possibility and the unknown. If the film often
lags in sections its message about “this point in time”, and the delusions that
underpin that, stays with you long after. Sutter’s confusion about what’s best
and Aimee’s susceptibility to someone like Sutter is tragic. Furthermore, the
constant reminder of Sutter’s addiction is always moving. How Ponsoldt shows
this (like Sutter avoiding sources of water – whether they be waterfalls or drinking
fountains – completely ignoring the notion of sobriety and purity) is inspired.
Although not always gripping, The Spectacular Now contains great
acting and direction. Teller and Woodley continue on their road to awards
glory, with Ponsoldt hopefully joining them with nominations and/or wins.
Also posted on LiveForFilms
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